President Donald Trump has issued a warning that he might declare the Strait of Hormuz as part of the United States, amid ongoing tensions with Iran. During a speech in New York on Friday, Trump indicated that this declaration could happen “pretty soon” following what he described as a defeat of Iran. He further asserted that the U.S. already exercises effective control over this critical waterway through a blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for global maritime traffic, with approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil passing through it. Nestled between Iran and Oman, it has largely been closed due to military operations initiated by the U.S. and Israel against Iran. The implications of Trump’s comments are yet to be clarified as either a shift in U.S. policy or a strategic political statement.
Iran has openly dismissed Trump’s threat. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that Tehran would not yield to U.S. pressure, asserting that the decision to open or close the strait remains under Iranian jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that Tehran has not yet decided to resume negotiations with Washington, clarifying that messages exchanged through intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan do not equate to formal discussions.
Iran has outlined several prerequisites before allowing the resumption of shipping through the strait. These include demands for compensation for war-related damages, the lifting of sanctions, and the unfreezing of Iranian assets. The ongoing conflict and the resulting disruption in shipping have led to increased fuel prices, further impacting consumers. Trump defended these higher prices, arguing that they are a necessary measure to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
The persistent deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz has sparked concerns about the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic ramifications of the conflict. This situation continues to be a focal point of international attention as stakeholders closely monitor developments in the region.