India, Aug. 13 -- U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday, Aug 12 insisted the blockade gives the U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Claiming the U.S. has "total control" of the strait, Trump said in a social media post, "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!"

Trump's post referred to the U.S. blockade of Iran's ports. A vital route for one-fifth of the world's traded oil before the war, the strait has been largely closed to other traffic since the start of the conflict because of Iran's attacks on shipping. Those attacks have continued despite the blockade and U.S. strikes.

Iran has said the strait will only reopen if the U.S. meets a list of demands, including lifting the blockade.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission fro...