Trump suggests U.S. could reopen Hormuz and seize Iranian oil

RIYADH, April 3, 2026 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and take Iranian oil, in comments that appeared to depart from his recent position that securing the vital waterway was not Washington’s responsibility. AP reported that Trump wrote on social media, “With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.”

Trump’s remarks contrasted with comments he made earlier this week when he said keeping shipping moving through the strait was “not for us” and criticised other countries, including U.S. allies, for not doing more to police the route against Iranian attacks on vessels, AP reported.

AP said Trump’s Friday post also appeared to reflect private remarks he made earlier in the week in which he expressed a desire to continue the war and try to seize Iranian oil, while acknowledging there appeared to be limited patience among the American public for such an effort.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route for oil exports, and disruption there has become a central issue in the regional conflict and in international diplomatic efforts to restore maritime traffic.