President Donald Trump has announced a potential move to declare the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States,” amid ongoing tensions with Iran. During a speech in New York on Friday, Trump suggested that the declaration could be made “pretty soon” following a US victory over Iran. He further asserted that the US currently exercises control over this crucial maritime passage through a blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for global oil shipments, with approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passing through it. Situated between Iran and Oman, the strait has seen limited traffic since the commencement of US and Israeli military actions against Iran. It remains uncertain whether Trump’s remarks signal an official shift in US policy or are meant as a political statement.
Iran has dismissed Trump’s threat, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that Tehran will not succumb to US pressure. He emphasized that decisions regarding the strait’s operation remain under Iran’s jurisdiction. Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated that Tehran has not yet decided to engage in negotiations with Washington, noting that current communications via Qatar and Pakistan do not amount to formal discussions.
Iran has set forth several prerequisites for restoring normal shipping through the strait, including compensation for damages sustained during the conflict, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of Iran’s frozen assets. This ongoing impasse over the Strait of Hormuz has contributed to rising fuel prices, impacting consumers worldwide. Trump has justified the increased costs, arguing that the higher prices are a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The persistent deadlock concerning the Strait of Hormuz has sparked concerns about the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic repercussions of the conflict. As tensions continue, the international community closely watches for any developments that might ease the strain on this critical shipping route.