Trump Threatens To Claim Hormuz Strait As US Territory

US President Donald Trump has announced plans to declare the Hormuz Strait as a US territory after the country's conflict with Iran is resolved. The Strait is a critical waterway for global oil and gas supplies. Trump made the statement on Friday, claiming that the US already has de facto control over the area due to its blockade.

The US President stated that the blockade is a service to the world, ensuring that no ships pass through the Strait without US permission. He also hinted at the plan on social media earlier in the week, saying that the US has 'total control' over the Strait. However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's claim as 'fantasies', stating that the Strait will only be opened or closed under Iranian command.

The conflict between the US and Iran has led to a significant reduction in global oil supplies, resulting in higher petrol prices. The average price of petrol in the US on Friday was $1.08 per litre, with Brent crude oil reaching $88 a barrel. Trump defended the price hikes, saying that they are a necessary cost to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

The US blockade of the Strait has resulted in a virtual stalemate, with only nine ships passing through on Friday. Iran has reportedly attacked ships in the area, including two on Thursday. The situation remains tense, with both sides refusing to back down.

The Hormuz Strait is a critical waterway, with a significant portion of the world's oil and gas supplies passing through it. The US has a significant military presence in the area, and has been involved in a conflict with Iran since February. The conflict has had a major impact on global oil prices, with many countries feeling the effects of the shortage.

The US President's statement has been seen as an attempt to bolster his party's chances in the upcoming mid-term elections. The price rise has become a major campaign issue, with Democrats criticizing the Trump administration's handling of the situation. Trump's speech was delivered at a police academy in New York, where he was campaigning for his party's candidate for governor.

The situation in the Hormuz Strait remains unresolved, with both sides dug in and refusing to back down. The global community is watching the situation closely, as the conflict has the potential to have a major impact on the global economy.

In conclusion, the conflict between the US and Iran over the Hormuz Strait continues to escalate, with both sides refusing to back down. The situation has significant implications for the global economy, and the US President's statement has only added to the tensions. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the conflict will be resolved and what the consequences will be for the global community.