Amid ongoing tensions with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of declaring the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States.” During a speech in New York on Friday, Trump suggested that this declaration could occur “pretty soon” following a U.S. victory over Iran. He also asserted that the U.S. has effective control of the vital maritime passage through a blockade, a statement that has yet to be clarified as a change in official U.S. policy or merely a diplomatic maneuver.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint in global shipping, with approximately 20% of the world’s seaborne oil supply passing through its waters. Positioned between Iran and Oman, the strait has faced significant disruptions since military actions by the U.S. and Israel against Iran began. The potential for U.S. control over this critical route has heightened tensions in an already volatile region.
In response to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, firmly rejected the U.S. threat, emphasizing that Iran would not yield to American pressure. He reiterated that decisions regarding the strait remain under Iran’s jurisdiction. Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi commented on the status of negotiations with the U.S., clarifying that Iran has not yet opted to resume formal talks, despite messages being exchanged via intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan.
Iran has outlined several conditions before considering the reopening of the strait to shipping traffic. These include demands for compensation for damages incurred during the conflict, the lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen Iranian assets. The blockade and ongoing conflict have contributed to increased fuel prices, affecting consumers globally. President Trump defended these higher costs, suggesting they are necessary to curb Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
The standoff over the Strait of Hormuz continues to pose significant risks to global energy supplies, with potential far-reaching effects on the global economy. The situation underscores the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader geopolitical implications of the conflict in the region.