'Nobody’s Laughing!' Trump touts US dominance as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald J. Trump on Friday, April 17, declared the United States the “HOTTEST” country in the world in a Truth Social post following the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil transit route.

The statement comes after a 47-day US-led maritime campaign that coincided with a shift in Iranian positioning on access to the waterway.

“Just a short time ago, under Sleepy Joe Biden, IT WAS DEAD, LAUGHED AT ALL OVER THE WORLD!!! … But not anymore - Nobody’s laughing!!!” Trump wrote, linking the reopening of the Strait to his administration’s policies.

US officials have confirmed that the Strait is now operational for international shipping, a development expected to ease pressure on global energy markets.

Tehran buckles under ‘lethal’ maritime blockade

The reopening follows weeks of sustained US naval enforcement in and around the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly 20 million barrels of oil pass daily.

According to administration officials, Iran signaled willingness to allow commercial transit after the blockade significantly reduced its oil-related revenues.

The White House estimates that the restrictions cost Iran approximately $400 million per day in disrupted exports and related losses.

Despite the reopening for international vessels, US officials confirmed that restrictions on Iranian-linked shipping remain in place.

“Our transaction with Iran is 100% complete,” Trump said, adding that enforcement measures will continue until a final agreement is concluded.

Officials describe the current approach as maintaining pressure on Iranian exports while allowing broader global trade flows to resume.

Trump claims end of ‘laughingstock’ era

In his remarks, Trump contrasted current developments with conditions under the previous administration, arguing that US global standing has shifted.

The “Hottest Country” phrase has been used repeatedly by the President in recent speeches, including during the 2026 State of the Union.

Administration officials point to the reopening of the Strait as a key strategic outcome of the operation. The US Navy has conducted a range of maritime actions during the campaign, including inspection operations and enforcement against vessels linked to Iranian activity.

While some international partners initially stayed out of direct involvement, US officials say the operation proceeded unilaterally, with continued monitoring of shipping lanes to ensure open access.

‘Transaction’ nears finish line as blockade holds

Officials say negotiations with Iran are ongoing, with several major elements already under discussion, including nuclear-related commitments. Trump indicated that remaining issues could be resolved quickly, though no formal agreement has yet been announced.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously said that once stability returns to the Strait, regional producers could increase output within one week, a move that could impact global fuel prices.

The administration has linked these developments to a potential drop in US gasoline prices toward the $3 range in the coming months.

For now, US naval enforcement remains active in the region. By keeping restrictions in place for Iranian-linked shipping while reopening the Strait to global traffic, the administration is maintaining leverage as talks continue.

Trump reiterated his position in closing, stating that the US has regained strength and influence on the global stage.