By Ginika Igboke
U.S. President Donald Trump said on April 3 that the United States could “easily” reopen the Strait of Hormuz, seize oil supplies, and profit from distributing them globally, as disruptions in the critical shipping lane continue to rattle energy markets and strain international alliances.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE. IT WOULD BE A ‘GUSHER’ FOR THE WORLD???” Trump wrote in an April 3 post on Truth Social.
The remarks mark one of Trump’s most explicit suggestions yet that Washington could directly intervene to control energy flows through the narrow waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and handles roughly a fifth of the world’s oil shipments.
Since U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began on Feb. 28, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to a near standstill, with Iranian forces targeting commercial vessels and effectively choking off one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.
A total of 220 vessels transited the strait in March, according to data from Marine Traffic and Kepler—roughly 10 percent of pre-war levels.
Trump’s assertion that the United States could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and ensure steady oil supply comes as Iran’s restrictions on shipments have driven crude prices sharply higher.
Earlier in the week, Trump suggested that U.S. allies should take responsibility for securing their own energy access through the strait, signaling that Washington might step back from direct involvement or conclude the conflict without fully neutralizing Iranian threats in the region.
Following Trump’s call, a coalition of about 40 countries led by the United Kingdom met virtually on April 2 to discuss ways to ensure freedom of navigation through the chokepoint, focusing on diplomatic and economic measures rather than military force.
French President Emmanuel Macron said on April 2 that launching a military operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be “unrealistic,” warning that such a move could expose vessels to Iranian missile attacks. He added that any reopening effort would need to be carried out “in consultation” with Iran.
Global Energy Shock
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has described the Iran conflict as causing a “historic disruption” to global oil markets, pushing up prices for consumers worldwide. The agency has urged people to adopt energy-saving measures such as working from home, driving more slowly, and carpooling.
IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the supply shock is expected to worsen.
“The loss of oil in April will be twice the loss in March, on top of LNG disruptions. It will come through inflation and will cut economic growth in many countries,” Birol said during a podcast with Nicolai Tangen, head of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund.
Asian economies, heavily dependent on Gulf energy supplies, are already feeling the strain. South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged citizens to conserve fuel, warning that rising energy costs are threatening key industries, including plastics and fertilizer production.
“When we save even a drop of oil, avoid wasting even a single plastic bag, and overcome this together, we will be able to exit the tunnel of crisis safely and swiftly,” Lee said in remarks published by Korean broadcaster YTN on April 2.
Governments, particularly across Asia, have begun implementing emergency measures in response to the crisis. Pakistan has closed schools for two weeks, while Bangladesh has introduced temperature limits on air conditioners and fuel rationing for vehicles.
Original article
Comments