Trump Dismisses NBC News Over Strait of Hormuz Claim
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WASHINGTON — Former President Donald Trump on Saturday dismissed NBC News as “fake news” after a reporter claimed that Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping lane. The exchange occurred during a televised interview on April 12, 2026, sparking immediate debate over the accuracy of the report and the stability of energy markets.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, serves as a chokepoint for approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply. A blockade of the waterway would represent a significant escalation in regional tensions and could trigger a sharp rise in global energy prices. The NBC reporter, whose name was not immediately released, stated during the broadcast that Iranian forces had deployed naval assets to restrict passage through the strait.
Trump, appearing on a separate network, rejected the assertion outright. “They’re saying Iran is blocking the Strait of Hormuz. That’s fake news from NBC,” Trump said. “Nothing is happening there. It’s all made up to create panic.” He characterized the report as a political maneuver designed to undermine confidence in the U.S. economy.
No official confirmation from the U.S. Department of Defense or the State Department has been issued regarding the status of the strait. The Pentagon declined to comment when approached for information. Meanwhile, international shipping companies have not reported any disruptions to their operations in the region. Major oil traders are monitoring the situation closely, with futures for crude oil remaining relatively stable as of Saturday morning.
The incident highlights the ongoing challenge of verifying breaking news in real-time, particularly concerning high-stakes geopolitical events. While NBC News has not issued a formal retraction or correction, the network’s social media accounts have not addressed the claim directly. The reporter involved has not made additional public statements.
Analysts note that false reports about the Strait of Hormuz have circulated in the past, often during periods of heightened tension between Iran and Western nations. However, a confirmed blockade would constitute a major shift in the geopolitical landscape, potentially drawing in regional allies and prompting military responses.
As of Saturday afternoon, no vessels have been reported detained or turned back in the strait. The Iranian government has not commented on the situation. The U.S. Central Command has not activated any emergency protocols related to the waterway.
The dispute between Trump and NBC News underscores the broader tension between political figures and media outlets over the credibility of reporting. With global markets watching, the accuracy of the initial claim remains unverified, leaving investors and policymakers uncertain about the true state of affairs in the Persian Gulf.