The warning comes amid renewed friction with Iran, placing one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes back at the center of geopolitical tensions.
President says Washington may assume long-term responsibility for protecting one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
President Donald Trump said the United States could assume long-term security responsibilities in the Strait of Hormuz after accusing Iran of violating a recent military agreement, further escalating tensions over one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes.
Speaking during an interview on Fox News, Trump said the United States had carried out overnight strikes against Iranian military equipment and indicated that Washington was prepared to play a more permanent role in securing the strategic waterway.
“We’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it,” Trump said. “We’ll become the guardian of the strait.”
Trump accuses Iran of breaking an agreement.
Trump said Iran had backed away from commitments made during lengthy negotiations, claiming the two sides had reached an agreement before Tehran later sought changes.
“They had an 11-hour meeting, and everything was agreed to,” Trump said. “Then they called back and said they had to make a couple of changes.”
He argued that previous US administrations had failed to address the issue decisively and suggested the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz should have been resolved decades ago.
Strait of Hormuz remains a global energy chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and carries roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making it one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes.
Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has the potential to affect global energy supplies, increase freight costs, and drive higher oil prices.
The latest confrontation follows renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran, placing the security of commercial shipping back at the centre of international attention.
Shipping activity declines as tensions rise.
The heightened security concerns have already affected commercial shipping.
According to maritime analytics firm Kpler, confirmed vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz declined by about 52% week on week between July 10 and July 12 as ship operators altered routes and adopted additional security measures in response to growing risks.
Industry analysts said some vessels shifted toward alternative navigation routes while activity along traditional international shipping corridors fell sharply.
US weighs a larger security role.
Trump’s comments suggest the administration is considering a broader US role in safeguarding commercial navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
He also said the United States should be compensated for providing security in the region, proposing that cargo moving through the waterway should contribute toward the costs of maintaining safe passage.
Although Trump outlined his vision during the interview, US officials have not announced any formal policy establishing permanent American control or administration of the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional tensions continue to rise.
The latest remarks come after renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran and increasing concerns over freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
Iran has continued to challenge US and allied operations in the region, while Washington maintains that commercial vessels must be able to transit the Strait of Hormuz without interference under international law.
As both sides harden their positions, the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most closely watched geopolitical flashpoints, with developments in the region carrying significant implications for global energy markets, international shipping, and regional security.
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Source: Gulf News
A missile launched from a US Navy ship against targets in Iran. The US Central Command has also reportedly used one-way attack sea drones to target Iranian assets.
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