Trump vows U.S. control of Strait of Hormuz, demands payment amid escalating Iran tensions
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will seize control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz and demand financial reimbursement from allied nations for securing the vital global shipping lane.
The declaration comes amid rapidly escalating military tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Speaking during a telephone interview on Fox News’ Fox & Friends programme on Monday, Mr. Trump stated that the U.S. would effectively become the “guardian” of the strait, arguing that friendly nations benefiting from the route must reimburse Washington for its military presence.
“We are going to guard it. We are going to get paid,” Mr. Trump declared.
A crucial chokepoint disrupted
The Strait of Hormuz is the world’s most critical maritime chokepoint for global oil exports. Tehran announced a complete blockade of the waterway on Saturday, July 11, citing an “unauthorised transit.” Iran later clarified that commercial shipping would remain suspended until “stability and calm” are restored to the region.
The closure has already sent shockwaves through international markets, triggering a sharp rise in global energy prices and renewing fears of heightened global inflation.
Accusing Iran of repeatedly violating previous bilateral agreements, President Trump warned that Washington would respond with overwhelming force to any further breaches.
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In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a counter-warning, stating that normal shipping operations would only resume once U.S. military operations in the waterway cease entirely. The elite military force cautioned that continued American intervention could lead to further severe disruptions in global oil and gas markets.
The war of words follows a dangerous weekend escalation. U.S. and Iranian forces engaged in direct combat, exchanging a series of missile and drone attacks over the weekend and into Monday.
The latest outbreak of hostilities has severely damaged diplomatic efforts, casting deep uncertainty over last month’s interim agreement, which was designed to reopen the strait and suspend hostilities while broader negotiations continued.
