Trump Wants To Declare Strait Of Hormuz As US Territory, Iran Objects

WASHINGTON: President of the United States (US), Donald Trump, has announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as part of his country’s ‘territory’ as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.

While speaking at a political rally in New York, Trump said his administration would claim sovereign rights over the strategic waterway which is a major route for global trade in crude oil, natural gas and fertiliser products.

The move comes as conflicts involving the US, Israel and Iran have been reported to be ongoing since late February following a series of military attacks that triggered a response from Tehran.

However, Trump’s statement is expected to add to tensions in West Asia, particularly as the issue of control over the Strait of Hormuz continues to be a major point of contention between Washington and Tehran.

The Strait of Hormuz is among the world’s most important maritime routes, with the majority of global oil and gas trade passing through the area.

Last month, Trump also sparked controversy when he proposed a greater US role in controlling the security of the route, including a proposal to impose transit fees on commercial ships passing through it.

International law experts said any such fee collection could raise questions regarding international maritime law and the right of freedom of navigation in international straits.

In a related development, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi, rejected Trump’s statement via a social media post.

He said the Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized through tweets, aircraft carriers, executive orders or election speeches.

“The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, remains Iran’s and will continue to be Iran’s,” he said.

He also stressed that Iran will not bow to threats or displays of military force from any outside party.

AGENSI