By Blessing Nweke
U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked international controversy after saying he may declare the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz a “territory of the United States,” escalating already high tensions with Iran and raising concerns over global energy supplies.
Trump made the remarks during a speech in New York, arguing that the United States effectively controls access to the waterway through its naval presence and blockade operations in the region. He claimed that ships can pass through the strait only with U.S. approval and suggested that formal American control could come “pretty soon.”
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important shipping routes, carrying about one-fifth of global oil supplies before disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. Shipping traffic through the passage has fallen sharply in recent months, contributing to higher fuel prices worldwide.
Iranian officials swiftly rejected Trump’s comments, insisting that Tehran retains sovereignty and control over the waterway. Iranian leaders have stated that any reopening of the strait would depend on broader negotiations involving sanctions relief and security guarantees.
The remarks have drawn criticism from analysts and diplomats, who warn that any attempt to assert U.S. ownership over the international waterway could deepen regional instability and further disrupt global energy markets. With peace talks stalled, control of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the central issues in the continuing U.S.-Iran confrontation.
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