In a bold statement from New York, US President Donald Trump has indicated that he may soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States,” amid ongoing tensions with Iran. This declaration would follow a claimed victory over Iran, with Trump asserting that the US already exerts control over the critical maritime corridor through a blockade. The Strait of Hormuz plays a pivotal role in global oil transportation, as it is the conduit for about 20% of the world’s seaborne oil shipments. Since US and Israeli military engagements with Iran began, the strait has been largely impassable.
The potential shift in US policy implied by Trump’s comments has yet to be clarified, leaving it uncertain whether his remarks were intended as a formal policy change or as a political maneuver. Iran has promptly dismissed the threat, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that Tehran would not succumb to US pressure. He emphasized that the authority to open or close the strait remains with Iran. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi noted that Iran has not decided to engage in dialogue with the US, despite messages exchanged through intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan, which he asserted do not constitute formal negotiations.
Tehran has set forth several prerequisites for the resumption of shipping through the strait, including demands for war damage compensation, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. These conditions underline Iran’s stance amid a conflict that continues to disrupt global shipping and escalate fuel prices. President Trump has defended the increased fuel costs as a necessary measure to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, framing the economic burden as a protective step for American interests.
The ongoing impasse over the Strait of Hormuz has generated significant concern over the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic repercussions of the conflict. As the standoff persists, the international community watches closely, mindful of the strategic importance of the strait and the potential for further economic and geopolitical fallout.