In a recent address in New York, US President Donald Trump announced a potential move to declare the Strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States,” amid ongoing tensions and efforts to negotiate with Iran. The President indicated that this declaration could occur “pretty soon” following a hypothetical defeat of Iran, asserting that the US has established control over the critical waterway through a blockade. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital corridor for international shipping, facilitating the passage of nearly 20% of the world’s seaborne oil. Positioned between Iran and Oman, the strait has seen restricted access since military actions involving the US and Israel against Iran commenced.
The implications of Trump’s statements remain uncertain, leaving it unclear whether they signal a substantive shift in US policy or merely serve as a political gesture. Iran has promptly dismissed the notion of US claims over the strait. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized Iran’s resistance to US pressure, affirming that decisions regarding the strait’s status rest with Tehran. Furthermore, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi clarified that despite indirect communications through Qatar and Pakistan, Tehran has not engaged in formal negotiations with Washington.
Iran has stipulated several prerequisites before allowing the reopening of the strait for maritime passage. These conditions include demands for compensation for war-related damages, the lifting of economic sanctions, and the release of Iranian assets currently frozen abroad. The prolonged closure and military tensions have consequently driven up fuel prices, impacting consumers globally. President Trump defended the resultant higher fuel costs, arguing that the price increase is a necessary measure to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.
The standoff over the control and access to the Strait of Hormuz continues to spark concerns about the stability of global energy supplies and the broader economic ramifications. The ongoing conflict underscores the strategic importance of the strait and the geopolitical complexities surrounding it, as nations seek to navigate the delicate balance of international diplomacy and regional security.