US President Donald Trump has again made the unverified claim that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is now US territory.
WEB DESK: US President Donald Trump has again claimed that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz is now “US territory,” amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over the vital maritime route.
The claim comes as the United States continues to focus on maintaining the movement of energy supplies through the waterway, which is critical to global oil and gas shipments.
Trump repeats controversial Hormuz claim
Trump’s latest statement reiterates his position on the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
The waterway is internationally recognised as a key maritime passage and is bordered by Iran and Oman.
Trump’s description of the strait as US territory does not itself alter its internationally recognised legal status.
Strait of Hormuz remains strategically vital
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
Large volumes of crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas pass through the waterway, making any disruption a potential threat to global energy markets.
The strategic importance of the strait has increased further amid the latest confrontation between the United States and Iran.
US-Iran tensions raise concerns over shipping
Washington has accused Iran of threatening commercial shipping in and around the waterway, while Tehran has repeatedly warned that it will defend its interests and respond to military threats.
The US administration has said it wants energy shipments to continue moving through the strait while maintaining economic pressure on Iran.
The competing positions have raised concerns among shipping companies, energy traders and governments that further escalation could disrupt maritime traffic.
International legal status remains unchanged
Despite Trump’s claim, a political statement by a US president does not automatically change the territorial or legal status of an international waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, and its navigation is governed by international maritime law.
Any change to territorial status would involve complex questions of international law and the rights of coastal states.
Global markets watching developments
The latest remarks are likely to attract further attention because of the strait’s role in global energy markets.
Any sustained disruption to shipping through Hormuz could affect oil prices, insurance costs and international supply chains.
The situation remains fluid as Washington and Tehran continue their confrontation.
