US President Donald Trump said on Monday that the United States could take control of the Strait of Hormuz and seek financial compensation for protecting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes amid renewed tensions with Iran.
Speaking in a telephone interview with Fox News’ Fox & Friends, Trump said Washington would no longer provide maritime security in the region without being paid.
«”We’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it,” Trump said, suggesting the United States could become what he described as the waterway’s “guardian angel.”»
Trump argued that many of the countries benefiting from secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz are wealthy US allies and should help bear the cost of protecting commercial shipping.
He added that the United States would receive “a lot of money” in return for safeguarding the vital maritime corridor, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passes.
The remarks come as renewed military exchanges between the US and Iran have heightened concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy exports.