Trump signals intent to bring Iran under control

BanglaPress Desk: US President Donald Trump is reluctant to label US military operations in Iran as a "war." Instead, he suggested that the US might be present in the country as an "occupier." Furthermore, Trump claimed that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is under US control and that more oil is currently being extracted from the region than at any other point in history. This report comes from Anadolu Agency.

Trump made these remarks while speaking to reporters on Friday (November 6) following an address at a NASA facility in the US state of Florida.

During the conversation, Trump drew a comparison between the conflict involving Iran and the war between Russia and Ukraine. He claimed that 25,000 people had been killed in the Russia-Ukraine conflict this past October.

Referring to the ongoing hostilities between Moscow and Kyiv, he remarked, "That is what you call a war."

In contrast, he noted that although the conflict between the US and Iran has persisted for nine months, there have been no casualties in recent months—a fact he cited as the reason why the situation cannot be classified as a "war."

"Perhaps we are just an occupier," Trump said. "We might be occupiers."

Trump also reiterated his claims regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that this critical maritime route—vital to the global energy supply—remains under US control.

"The Strait of Hormuz is under our control," Trump stated. "We are currently extracting more oil from this strait than at any other time in history."

He was also questioned about reports that US forces had carried out an attack near Iran’s Qeshm Island on Friday. While initially hesitant to comment, he later acknowledged that a limited military strike had taken place.

"I don't want to talk about it," Trump said. "We carry out some minor strikes."

He further claimed that Iran had constructed an air defense installation, which US forces destroyed within minutes.

A few days earlier, Trump had also acknowledged a US strike on an Iranian air defense facility located on Qeshm Island. However, he described the operation not as a return to full-scale war, but rather as a limited strike.

Meanwhile, Iran has rejected Washington’s claim that the United States holds control over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran maintains that it still retains strategic control over this vital waterway. Furthermore, Iran has stated that the Strait will not be reopened until its specified conditions are met.

It should be noted that the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran on February 28. A ceasefire was subsequently reached between the two sides in April, and a memorandum of understanding—aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace treaty—was signed in June. Nevertheless, despite several rounds of negotiations, the parties involved have yet to reach a final agreement.