Trump: 'We defeated the Islamic Republic regime'; says Strait of Hormuz open, setting records

President Donald Trump issued a series of sweeping statements on Friday regarding the status of the conflict with Iran, claiming a total strategic victory over the Islamic Republic. According to the President, the U.S. has "completely defeated" the regime, a shift that he says has fundamentally altered the nature of ongoing diplomatic talks.

A Position of Strength

Trump emphasized that the United States is currently conducting negotiations with Tehran from a "position of absolute power." He claimed that the Iranian leadership is aware of this disparity and is eager to reach a deal. This follows a period of intense military and economic pressure, including what the President previously described as covert missions to disable Iranian infrastructure and secure maritime routes.

Maritime Records in the Strait

Central to the President's declaration is the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy chokepoint. Trump stated that the strait is now fully open and is currently setting records for shipping volume. This claim stands in contrast to earlier reports of Iranian attempts to coordinate or restrict passage, suggesting a significant shift in maritime control in the region.

Strategic Context

The President's remarks come amid the broader framework of the 'Islamabad Agreement,' a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities. While Trump frames the current situation as a concluded defeat for the Iranian regime, the strategic reality remains complex, with Israel and other regional allies closely monitoring whether this 'absolute power' translates into a permanent end to the Iranian nuclear program and its regional proxy network.