Donald Trump has threatened to declare the strait of Hormuz 'a territory of the United States,' though the seriousness of the remark and whether it signals a new policy position remain unclear.
Key facts
- Trump made the remark during a speech at a police academy on Long Island, New York, on Friday.
- He said he would 'pretty soon' designate the strait of Hormuz a US territory.
- The strait is a crucial chokepoint through which about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies typically pass.
- The comment comes as Trump's administration struggles to conclude the war with Iran.
- It is not clear whether the remark signaled a new policy position, according to the Guardian.
US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the strait of Hormuz as ‘a territory of the United States,’ according to the Guardian, in remarks made as his administration struggles to conclude the war with Iran.
Trump made the comment during a speech at a police academy on Long Island, New York, on Friday. He said he would ‘pretty soon’ designate the waterway a US territory.
The strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint for global trade. According to the Guardian, about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supplies typically pass through the waterway, making it one of the most strategically significant routes for the international energy market.
The seriousness of the remark, and whether it signaled a new policy position, was not clear, the Guardian reported. The statement came amid ongoing tensions connected to the war with Iran.
No further details on how such a designation might be enacted, or what it would mean in practice, were provided in the reporting. The comment was made in the context of the administration’s difficulties in bringing the conflict with Iran to a close.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz carries roughly a fifth of the world's seaborne oil, so any move affecting its status could have significant implications for global energy markets and international trade. Statements about designating the waterway as US territory also raise questions about American policy toward Iran during an ongoing conflict.
Frequently asked questions
What did Trump say about the strait of Hormuz?
According to the Guardian, Trump said during a speech in New York that he would 'pretty soon' declare the strait of Hormuz 'a territory of the United States.'
Why is the strait of Hormuz important?
The strait is a crucial chokepoint for global trade, and about a fifth of the world's seaborne oil supplies typically pass through it, according to the Guardian.
Is this now official US policy?
It is not clear. The Guardian reported that the seriousness of the remark and whether it signaled a new policy position were not clear.