Amid ongoing tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump has made a bold assertion that the United States may soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as its own territory. This strategic waterway, critical for global oil shipments, has become a focal point in the conflict between the US and Iran. During a speech in New York on Friday, Trump suggested that the US would formalize this claim “pretty soon” following a victory over Iran, emphasizing that the US already has effective control over the strait through a blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil trade, sits between Iran and Oman. It has been predominantly off-limits since the US and Israel launched military actions against Iran. The significance of Trump’s remarks remains uncertain, raising questions about whether they signal a shift in US foreign policy or serve merely as a political maneuver. Meanwhile, Iran has dismissed the threat. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, stated that the country would not yield to US pressure, affirming that decisions regarding the strait rest solely with Iran.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi further commented that Tehran has not resumed negotiations with Washington, despite messages exchanged through intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan. These exchanges, according to Araqchi, do not equate to formal discussions. Tehran has set forth several conditions for reopening the strait, including compensation for conflict-related damages, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the unfreezing of Iranian financial assets.
The ongoing conflict and subsequent disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have contributed to rising fuel prices, adding to the economic burden on consumers. President Trump defended these price increases, arguing that they are a necessary trade-off to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The protracted standoff over this crucial maritime passage continues to spark concerns over the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic ramifications of the conflict.