United States President Donald Trump has announced that Washington would assume control of the Strait of Hormuz and require countries benefiting from the key maritime route to pay for its protection amid rising tensions with Iran.
Trump disclosed this during a phone interview on Fox News’ Fox & Friends programme on Monday, saying the United States would act as the “guardian” of the strategic waterway.
“We are going to guard it. We are going to get paid,” he said, insisting that allied nations relying on the route should contribute financially to its security.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as one of the world’s most important channels for oil shipments, and Iran’s decision to block the passage has triggered concerns over rising energy costs and inflation globally.
Tehran announced the closure of the waterway on Saturday, July 11, citing what it described as an unauthorised transit. Iranian authorities later stated that shipping activities would remain halted until security and stability were restored.
Trump accused Iran of repeatedly breaching previous agreements reached with Washington, warning that the United States would take decisive action if further violations occurred.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said normal maritime operations would only resume after the withdrawal of US military activities from the area. The group cautioned that continued foreign intervention could worsen disruptions in global oil and gas markets.
The latest escalation follows exchanges of missile and drone attacks between US and Iranian forces over the weekend and on Monday, deepening regional tensions and raising uncertainty over a recent temporary agreement aimed at reopening the strait and halting hostilities while negotiations continue.
Reuters/NAN