[75361] Michael McFaul: Opening the Strait of Hormuz is not an American victory
[75361] Michael McFaul: Opening the Strait of Hormuz is not an American victory
The former US ambassador to Russia claims that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is not a foreign policy achievement for Trump, as the strait was open even before the conflict began.
Diplomatic tension surrounding the Strait of Hormuz
In a series of statements published on May 30, 2026, Michael McFaul, the former United States Ambassador to Russia (2012–2014), attacked the American narrative regarding the security situation in the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, as reported by آخرین خبر and خبرگزاری ایرنا, the reopening of the strait cannot be considered a "victory" for the United States.
In a post published on the X social network, McFaul noted: "It is known that the Strait of Hormuz was open even before Trump's war against Iran began." Based on these remarks, he argues that the current change in the situation should not be viewed as a significant military or strategic achievement, as it is merely a return to the status quo that existed beforehand.
The reports come from media outlets identified with the Iranian establishment, which present a stance critical of the US administration's policy in the region and seek to downplay the importance of its alleged diplomatic and military successes. While the Iranian agencies emphasize McFaul's words to undermine Trump's narrative of strength, the remarks reflect internal American criticism of the strategy being employed against Tehran.