Trump says US control of Strait of Hormuz 'already happening', claims Iran 'begging' for deal

Donald Trump said coordination with Benjamin Netanyahu is 'very close' and highlighted strong support he receives from the Israeli public
President Donald Trump claimed Iran is 'begging' for a deal, saying its leadership is desperate after being 'decimated' and now seeking negotiations (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
President Donald Trump claimed Iran is 'begging' for a deal, saying its leadership is desperate after being 'decimated' and now seeking negotiations (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump on Sunday, March 29, stated that the US is moving to secure the Strait of Hormuz following its closure amid the Iran war.

President Trump also claimed that Iran is currently desperate for a diplomatic resolution after being significantly weakened by joint US-Israeli operations.



Trump says US ‘already’ controlling Strait of Hormuz

President Trump, in an interview on Channel 14, was asked if the US could take control of the Strait of Hormuz, to which he replied that it is "already happening" and referred to the waterway as the "Strait of Trump."

Trump further characterized the current state of the Iranian leadership as one of desperation, suggesting they are “begging” for a deal to end the hostilities.

He noted that such a pivot toward negotiations is expected for any nation that has been “decimated” to the extent he believes Iran has been.

3D Render of a Satellite Landscape View of the Strait Of Hormuz, Persian Gulf.All source data is in the public domain.Color and Water texture: Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data (2021) courtesy of ESA.URL of source image: https://dataspace.copernicus.eu/explore-data/data-collections/sentinel-data/sentinel-2Relief texture: SRTM data courtesy of NASA JPL (2020). URL of source image:https://lpdaac.usgs.gov/products/srtmgl1v003/
3D Render of a Satellite Landscape View of the Strait Of Hormuz, Persian Gulf (Courtesy of ESA)

Trump also highlighted the full coordination maintained with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding negotiations, stating, "the coordination is very close, full coordination."

Beyond military strategy, the president took a moment to highlight his deep connection with the Israeli public, noting the high levels of support he receives from them.

Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)
Oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz as seen from Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri)

“I love Israel, love the people of Israel, and I’m very proud and happy about their support,” Trump stated, referencing a poll he said indicated a 99% approval rating for him within the country.

President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
President Donald Trump walks on the South Lawn upon his arrival to the White House, Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Washington (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)

US Embassy warns of Iran-linked attacks on Iraq universities

Meanwhile, as the Iran war escalates, the US Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent warning about potential attacks by Iran and its militia groups.

They warned that these groups may be planning to target American-linked universities and other US targets across Iraq.

In a statement on X, the embassy told all US citizens to leave the country immediately because of these growing threats.

The embassy specifically mentioned that “Iran and its affiliated militias may intend to target American universities in Baghdad, Sulaymaniyah, and Dohuk, as well as other universities perceived as connected to the United States."

Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026.(AP Photo)
Smoke rises on the skyline after an explosion in Tehran, Iran, Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026 (AP Photo)

They noted that Iran has directed threats toward American schools throughout the Middle East and that these militias have already carried out “widespread attacks on American citizens and US-associated targets throughout Iraq, including in the Iraqi Kurdistan Region.” Because of this, “US citizens are advised to depart Iraq immediately.”

US prioritizes American safety amid rising Iran threats

The embassy warned that Iran-aligned groups are a serious threat to public safety.

These groups have already attacked places like airports and hotels used by foreigners and may even try to kidnap Americans.

The alert explained that these groups are likely to attempt more attacks against “diplomatic facilities, universities, businesses, energy infrastructure, and other sites believed to have ties to the United States.”

The embassy stated that the safety and security of American citizens is its “top priority, whether for President Trump, Secretary of State Rubio, or the Department of State.”

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