Washington (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump has said the United States could soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of its territory, adding a fresh and provocative dimension to his statements as the ongoing conflict with Iran continues to put pressure on global energy markets.
Speaking in Garden City on Friday, Trump said, “After we finish defeating Iran ... pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” without providing further details about how such a move could be carried out.
It remains uncertain whether Trump was making a serious policy announcement or using strong rhetoric amid the escalating confrontation with Iran. The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy routes, with around 20% of global oil and LNG supplies typically transported through the waterway.
Concerns that the conflict could keep the strategically vital passage disrupted have contributed to a sharp rise in energy prices this week. Brent crude has moved close to $90 per barrel, while average gasoline prices in the United States have climbed to roughly $4 a gallon.
Trump also asked Americans to tolerate a modest increase in fuel costs, arguing that the financial burden was part of the effort to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon.
“What we're doing is a great service for the world, not only for ourselves ... and we're really doing a great job,” Trump said, while also insisting that he would never apologise for the military action against Iran.
The president's remarks could create increasing political difficulties for his administration as higher gasoline prices run counter to his campaign pledge to bring down energy costs.
Democrats are already looking to use the economic consequences of the Iran conflict as a major political issue ahead of the November midterm elections.