In a bold statement, US President Donald Trump has indicated a potential declaration of the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States,” amidst ongoing tensions with Iran. Addressing an audience in New York on Friday, Trump suggested that such a declaration could be made “pretty soon” following a victory over Iran. He also asserted that the United States currently maintains control over the critical waterway through a blockade, hinting at strategic dominance in the region.
The Strait of Hormuz is a pivotal maritime route, with around 20% of the world’s oil transported through its waters. Positioned between Iran and Oman, it has become a focal point of geopolitical conflict, particularly as US and Israeli military actions against Iran have led to its partial closure. It remains uncertain if Trump’s remarks signal a shift in official US policy or if they were intended merely as a rhetorical stance.
Responding to the US President’s comments, Iran has firmly dismissed the threat. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that US pressure will not sway Tehran, reinforcing that decisions concerning the strait’s operation rest solely with Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted that despite ongoing message exchanges facilitated by Qatar and Pakistan, these do not amount to formal negotiations with the US.
Iran has stipulated several requirements for reopening the strait to shipping, such as compensation for damages from the conflict, the removal of sanctions, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. The current impasse has led to increased fuel prices, impacting global consumers. President Trump has defended this price surge, arguing that it is a necessary trade-off to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
This prolonged deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz is raising alarms about the security of global energy supplies and the broader economic ramifications. The situation continues to be closely monitored by international stakeholders concerned about its potential to disrupt the global economy further.