In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has suggested that the United States might soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as its own territory. This statement comes amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, as diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict have stalled. Speaking from New York on Friday, Trump indicated that the US could make this declaration “pretty soon” following a victory over Iran. He further asserted that the strategic waterway is already under American control due to a blockade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime corridor, facilitating the passage of approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. This narrow channel lies nestled between Iran and Oman and has been largely inaccessible since the US, alongside Israel, initiated military actions against Iran. It is currently uncertain if Trump’s remarks signal a shift in official US policy or serve as a political stance.
Iran has firmly dismissed Trump’s threat. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, emphasized that Tehran will not succumb to US intimidation and maintains that any decisions regarding the status of the strait are under Iran’s jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted that Tehran has not committed to reopening talks with Washington, underscoring that any communications through intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan do not amount to formal negotiations.
For Iran, the reopening of the strait is contingent upon specific prerequisites, including compensation for damages incurred during the conflict, lifting of sanctions, and the release of Iranian assets currently frozen. The ongoing blockade and resultant shipping disruptions have contributed to rising fuel prices, placing additional financial strain on consumers. Trump has justified the increased prices, arguing that they reflect the cost of preventing Iran from developing a nuclear arsenal.
The deadlock over the Strait of Hormuz continues to pose significant threats to global energy reserves and has sparked concerns about the broader economic ramifications that could ensue from this protracted conflict.