Trump: US Should Control Strait of Hormuz and Charge for Its Use
Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated in a Fox News interview that the United States should control the Strait of Hormuz and charge other countries for its use. He also threatened to "hit very hard" Iran if they continue to break "closed deals." Trump did not specify which deals he was referring to. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital chokepoint for global oil shipments, with a significant portion of the world's crude oil passing through it annually. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to international pressure. The U.S. Navy regularly patrols the waterway to ensure freedom of navigation. Trump's remarks suggest a potential shift in U.S. policy towards greater assertiveness in controlling international maritime trade routes.
This statement reflects a transactional approach to international security and maritime transit. By proposing to control and monetize the Strait of Hormuz, the former president frames a critical global commons as a service to be billed, rather than a shared responsibility or a strategic asset managed through international cooperation. Such a stance could incentivize unilateral actions and potentially destabilize regional dynamics, impacting global energy markets and international relations. The underlying logic may stem from a desire to leverage U.S. military dominance for economic or geopolitical gain, but it risks creating friction with allies and adversaries alike, potentially undermining established norms of freedom of navigation and international law.
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