At the height of tensions between Washington and Tehran, US President Donald Trump has revived the proposal to declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States.
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Asked about his previous statements that the strait could “very soon” become US territory, Trump replied that it was “a great idea.” Speaking from the White House, he said: “We control it with the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it a territory.” The president also claimed that the US currently exercises “complete control” over the strait and that the American blockade has proved effective.
According to Trump, Iran may attempt to block traffic through the corridor, including by laying mines, but the United States, he said, is capable of keeping the situation under control.
Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime corridors for oil transportation. As a result of the confrontation between the US and Iran, maritime traffic in the area has declined significantly, while concerns over global supplies have driven up oil prices.
The comments came after the 60-day memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran expired without a final agreement. Trump has announced that Washington does not intend to extend the agreement.
Iran, meanwhile, has rejected US claims that it controls Hormuz, insisting that the strait remains under Iranian authority.
The situation remains tense. The failure of the talks and the decline in traffic through this strategic corridor are fueling fears of a further escalation of the conflict, as well as the impact it could have on global energy markets.
