In a bold assertion, US President Donald Trump has indicated his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States,” amid ongoing tensions with Iran. Speaking from New York on Friday, Trump suggested this move would follow a US victory over Iran, emphasizing that the US already exerts significant control over the vital waterway through a military blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage, with about 20% of the world’s seaborne oil transiting through it. It is strategically located between Iran and Oman and has faced significant disruptions since US and Israeli military actions against Iran commenced.
The clarity of Trump’s remarks regarding a shift in US policy remains uncertain, raising questions about whether they are a strategic declaration or a political maneuver. In response to Trump’s statements, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has dismissed the US threats, asserting that Tehran will not succumb to American pressure. Gharibabadi reiterated that the decision to open or close the strait resides solely with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi echoed this sentiment, affirming that Tehran has not committed to resuming negotiations with Washington. He clarified that the exchanges facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan do not constitute formal diplomatic talks. Iran has stipulated several preconditions for reopening the strait to shipping traffic, demanding compensation for damages incurred during the conflict, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the release of its frozen assets.
The ongoing confrontation over the control of the Strait of Hormuz has led to increased fuel prices, impacting consumers worldwide. Trump has defended these higher costs, arguing that they are a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons. The prolonged standoff has sparked concerns about the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic implications of the conflict.