WASHINGTON D.C April 21, 2026 – Secretary of War Pete Hegseth today posted on X a screenshot of a statement from President Donald J. Trump outlining the administration’s position on the Iran crisis and the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
In the statement, President Trump asserts that Iran does not genuinely want the strategic waterway closed. Instead, he claims the regime is losing approximately $500 million per day in oil revenue because the United States has “totally blockaded (closed!)” the Strait. Trump wrote that Iranian officials are only publicly demanding it remain closed “to save face,” while privately seeking to reopen it immediately.
“People approached me four days ago, saying, ‘Sir, Iran wants to open up the Strait, immediately,’” the president stated. “But if we do that, there can never be a Deal with Iran, unless we blow up the rest of their Country, their leaders included!”
The post by Secretary Hegseth, who serves in the newly designated Secretary of War role, comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions following military strikes, a partial ceasefire, and stalled negotiations. The administration has maintained the blockade as leverage to pressure Tehran into concessions, with officials arguing that economic isolation is forcing the regime to the negotiating table.
Hegseth’s decision to amplify the president’s message underscores the administration’s unified hardline stance: no premature reopening of the Strait without significant Iranian capitulation, including potential further military measures if necessary.
The development has sparked widespread discussion on X, with supporters praising the president’s negotiating tactics and critics urging stronger action or expressing concern over prolonged conflict.
President Trump’s full statement, as shared by Secretary Hegseth, emphasizes continued maximum pressure on the Iranian regime to achieve a comprehensive deal that addresses its nuclear program, regional aggression, and support for terrorism. No further details on the timing of potential talks or additional military options were released in the post.
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