United States President Donald Trump has said the United States is beginning efforts to “clear out” the Strait of Hormuz, describing the move as a service to countries around the world.
In a post on Truth Social on Saturday, April 11, 2026, Trump said the operation is being carried out as a “favor” to countries that rely heavily on oil imports, including China and other allies.
He suggested that these nations depend on the security of the route but are unwilling to act for themselves.
“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others. Incredibly, they don’t have the Courage or Will to do this work themselves,” Trump said.
Trump Claims the US Owns More Oil
Trump also claimed that empty oil tankers from multiple countries are heading to the United States to load oil, suggesting that the US is simultaneously benefiting from global energy flows.
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“Empty oil-carrying ships from many Nations are all heading to the United States of America to LOAD UP with Oil,” said Trump.
He also boasted about the United States’ vast oil and gas reserves, claiming that America possesses more oil than the next two largest oil-producing economies combined.
The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) projects that the country’s total petroleum liquids production will reach around 22 million barrels per day in 2026.
This production places the US on a par with, or even slightly ahead of, the combined output of Russia and Saudi Arabia.
Trump Warns Caution Iran on Charging Fee on the Strait of Hormuz
Earlier, Trump said that Iran “better stop now”, referring to a move by Tehran to charge fees on oil tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
The US president warned that his country would agree to a two-week suspension of hostilities against the Islamic Republic on the condition that it agrees to the complete, immediate, and state safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz.
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According to a report by the Financial Times, Iran was planning to charge shipping firms fees, payable in cryptocurrency, to allow their vessels to sail through the waterway.
In a follow-up post, Trump said, Iran will never have a nuclear weapon and that oil would start flowing, with or without the help of Iran.
