US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States should take control of the Strait of Hormuz and be compensated for protecting the strategic waterway. His remarks came as military tensions with Iran intensified and shipping through the vital oil route remained disrupted. The proposal underscores growing concerns over global energy security and regional stability.
Speaking during a phone interview with Fox News, Trump said the United States would likely become the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz. He argued that allied nations benefiting from secure shipping lanes should reimburse Washington for safeguarding the route. Trump added that the US could not be expected to provide such protection without financial compensation.
Read more: US pressure stalls Hormuz agreement: Iran
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central flashpoint in the escalating confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iranian authorities recently suspended commercial transit through the waterway after announcing its closure, saying shipping would resume only when stability returned. The disruption has pushed global oil prices higher and renewed concerns over inflation and energy supplies.
Trump also accused Iran of violating a previous agreement with the United States and vowed a tougher response. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said normal shipping could resume only if the United States ended its military activities in the area. The group warned that continued intervention could further disrupt the global oil and gas market.
Read more: US-Iran tensions spiral as Hormuz becomes flashpoint again
The latest exchange follows heavy missile and drone attacks between US and Iranian forces over the weekend. The renewed violence has cast doubt on last month’s interim agreement designed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create space for further negotiations. Analysts warn that continued escalation could increase risks for international trade and global energy markets.