U.S. Says Strait of Hormuz Is Open and Under American Control, Urges Pressure on Iran
May 4, 2026 — U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the Strait of Hormuz is open under U.S. control and urges partners to intensify pressure on Iran.
The United States announced on Monday, May 4, 2026, that the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and is under American control, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in public remarks. Bessent asserted that Tehran does not control the vital waterway and called on international partners to raise pressure on Iran. He also reiterated that the United States will only use force in response to hostile actions against its forces.
U.S. Statement on Control of the Strait of Hormuz
Bessent told reporters the U.S. had “absolute control” of the Strait of Hormuz and that Iranian forces do not control the passage. He framed the declaration as a clear message to regional actors and to global maritime operators that navigation through the strait is being secured by U.S. forces. The remarks came during a statement in which he urged coordinated diplomatic and economic measures to change Tehran’s behavior.
The choice of the Strait of Hormuz as the focal point underscores the waterway’s global importance for energy and shipping. The strait links the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a conduit for a large share of the world’s seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any assertion of control there has immediate implications for international trade and regional security architecture.
Call for International Pressure on Iran
Bessent explicitly urged international partners to step up pressure on Iran, saying “now is the time” for coordinated action. He presented the appeal as a diplomatic complement to the U.S. posture at sea, emphasizing sanctions and multilateral measures rather than unilateral escalation. The U.S. appeal invites allied governments to consider increased economic and political levers aimed at Tehran.
The request for intensified measures signals a push to rally global support beyond military guarantees. Bessent’s remarks suggest Washington intends to combine maritime presence with broader geopolitical tools to deter what it describes as destabilizing Iranian activity. How partners respond will shape the durability of any enhanced security posture in the Gulf.
U.S. Military Posture and Rules of Engagement
On rules of engagement, Bessent reiterated a long-standing U.S. position: American forces will “only fire when fired upon.” That wording underlines a defensive posture while signaling readiness to protect U.S. assets and personnel in the region. The statement aims to reassure both domestic and international audiences that U.S. actions are limited to self-defence.
The assertion of control over the Strait of Hormuz implies coordinated operations across naval, air and intelligence assets in the area. U.S. officials did not disclose operational details in the initial statement, leaving questions about force composition and mission scope. Analysts will be watching for subsequent briefings to clarify how control will be sustained and what rules will govern interactions with Iranian vessels.
Regional Security and Gulf State Concerns
Gulf states and regional partners are likely to monitor the U.S. declaration closely, with security officials assessing how it affects national maritime strategies. The announcement raises both reassurance and concern: reassurance in the form of a security guarantee, and concern over the potential for escalation or miscalculation in a sensitive maritime choke point. Regional capitals may seek consultations with Washington to coordinate protective measures for commercial shipping.
The balance between deterrence and de-escalation will be central to diplomatic efforts in coming days. Gulf Cooperation Council states historically prefer stability that keeps trade flowing while avoiding direct military entanglement. How those governments publicly respond or privately coordinate could determine whether the current posture lowers immediate risks or adds new frictions.
Potential Impact on Maritime Trade and Energy Supplies
Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. control may have immediate economic ripple effects even absent direct conflict. Shipping companies, insurers and commodity traders typically react to heightened security statements by adjusting routing decisions, increasing premiums and re-pricing risk. Traders will be attentive to any operational changes and to communications from shipping authorities about transit safety.
Energy markets could also feel the effects, as the strait is a major artery for crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Even a defensive-only posture can influence perceptions of supply risk, prompting short-term volatility in oil prices and adjustments in regional supply management. Market participants will be especially sensitive to further statements from Washington, Tehran, and key Gulf producers about any shifts in the security environment.
The United States’ call for partners to intensify pressure on Iran suggests a dual-track approach of maritime security and diplomatic-economic measures. Observers note that the success of such a strategy typically depends on coordination among regional states, European partners, and international institutions. The coming days are likely to see diplomatic activity aimed at shaping a unified response.
As events develop, international shipping operators and regional governments will watch for clarifying statements that detail how U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz will be implemented and sustained.