Trump declares US as ‘guardian’ of Strait of Hormuz

Trump said the renewed measures would target Iranian vessels and their customers.

WASHINGTON:  US President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States would assume the role of the “guardian” of the Strait of Hormuz, announcing plans to tighten restrictions on Iranian shipping while allowing commercial traffic from other countries to continue.

Trump said the renewed measures would target Iranian vessels and their customers, while ships from other nations would continue to have access to the strategic waterway.

He added that the United States would seek reimbursement for providing security in the strait, including a 20% fee on cargo transiting the waterway to help cover the costs of maritime protection.

Speaking in a television interview, Trump said the United States would likely “run” the Strait of Hormuz and serve as its “guardian,” arguing that countries benefiting from safe passage should contribute to the cost of securing one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.

Trump said that the United States would move to take control of the Strait of Hormuz and assume responsibility for securing the strategic waterway, arguing that Washington should be compensated for protecting one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

Trump accused Iran of violating a previous agreement, saying Tehran had broken the deal and that Washington would now protect the vital maritime corridor. He also said the United States would no longer provide security for other countries free of charge and argued that it should be reimbursed for safeguarding the waterway.

The US president further claimed that American forces had destroyed Iranian military assets and said every Iranian drone attack was being met with a strong response.

He also alleged that Iran’s leadership had killed 52,000 protesters, though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of the world’s oil exports passes, has become a focal point of escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, with concerns over shipping disruptions continuing to drive volatility in global energy markets.