Trump Claims US Could Take Control of Strait of Hormuz After Iran Defeat
US President Donald Trump has said the United States could soon declare the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a US territory after defeating Iran, escalating his rhetoric over the key global energy route. Speaking at a political rally in New York state on Friday, Trump said he would make the declaration “pretty soon” once the conflict with Iran was concluded. He later emphasised that he was serious about the statement.
The remarks come amid a broader confrontation between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil and other commodities.
Iran-US Standoff Over Hormuz
Trump said the United States currently has a blockade in place and claimed that ships would not be allowed through the waterway without US approval. Iran has sought to restrict access to parts of the strait, while the US Navy has targeted Iranian ports as Washington attempts to increase economic pressure on Tehran.
The standoff has raised concerns over disruptions to international energy supplies, given the importance of the waterway to global oil and commodity shipments.
Trump Defends Higher Gasoline Prices
Trump also told Americans they may have to pay somewhat more for gasoline as a consequence of the campaign against Iran. He argued that the economic cost was justified by the objective of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, portraying the military operation as being in the wider interest of the international community.
The issue could become politically sensitive for Trump as higher fuel prices clash with his promise to bring down energy costs. Democrats are also expected to use the economic fallout from the conflict as an issue ahead of the November midterm elections.
Trump defended the decision to attack Iran and said he would not apologise for the military action, insisting that his administration was doing what was necessary to prevent Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
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