Trump claims Hormuz in 'extremely good shape' as 30 ships pass nightly

US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is in "extremely good shape" as American naval assistance enables an average of 30 ships to transit the strategic waterway each night. Speaking to reporters at the Oval Office, Trump stated that US forces have assumed control of security operations in the vital passage — the primary artery for Gulf energy exports. "Many, many ships got through last night. As you know, with the Navy's assistance, and we've been averaging 30 ships a night," he said, noting that substantial crude volumes continue flowing through the contested strait.

Oil market impact

The consistent traffic has prevented the energy price surges analysts had predicted when hostilities escalated in late February. "That's a lot, and a lot of oil coming out. That's why you haven't seen the price of oil go like they thought it might have to go," Trump added, crediting American military coordination for maintaining commercial flow despite the ongoing US-Israeli war with Iran.

'Failed nation' assessment

Trump characterized Iran as a state in complete institutional collapse, citing hyperinflation and military degradation. "They're a failed nation. They've got 350% inflation. They have no currency. They're not paying their soldiers. Their leaders are largely dead. Their navy is gone. Their air force is gone. Their surveillance equipment is almost entirely gone," he said, describing Tehran's deteriorated condition following weeks of bombardment.

Leadership vacuum

The US president questioned whether Tehran maintains functional command structures, stating, "I don't really think they know who their leader is." He warned that military pressure could intensify regardless of Iran's diminished capacity, adding, "that doesn't mean we won't smack them. We'll see what happens." The remarks follow sustained US-Israeli air and naval operations against Iranian targets that began on February 28.