Washington: US President Donald Trump has said the United States should take control of the Strait of Hormuz and be compensated for protecting one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes, amid escalating tensions with Iran.

Speaking during a phone interview with Fox News, Trump said the US would become the “guardian” of the strait, through which around one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments pass.

Trump calls for US role in the strait

Trump argued that the United States should oversee security in the Strait of Hormuz and receive payment for safeguarding international maritime traffic.

“We’re going to keep the strait, and we’ll probably run it. We’ll become the guardian of the strait… And we should be reimbursed for that,” he said.

His remarks come as Washington and Tehran continue to exchange claims over the strategic waterway following renewed military confrontations in the Gulf.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea and is considered one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. Any disruption to shipping through the passage can significantly affect global oil and gas supplies.

Iran rejects Trump’s remarks

Iran rejected Trump’s comments, asserting that it would not permit any US role in managing the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Iranian military authorities, any attempt by US forces to transit or control the waterway without Iran’s authorisation would be met with a strong response.

Iran also warned regional countries against cooperating with Washington, stating that any such cooperation would be viewed as an act of war against Iran.

Trump criticises Iran and previous US administrations

During the interview, Trump accused Iran of repeatedly changing its position during negotiations and criticised previous US administrations for their handling of relations with Tehran.

He also reiterated his opposition to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, arguing that it strengthened Iran instead of limiting its nuclear programme.

Trump said he had withdrawn the United States from the agreement during his presidency because he believed it was detrimental to American interests.

Defends Soleimani strike

Trump also defended the 2020 US drone strike that killed Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani, describing the operation as necessary.

He further claimed that recent US military action had prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, although Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

Regional tensions remain high

Trump’s remarks came as US and Iranian forces reportedly exchanged missile and drone attacks over the weekend and into Monday.

Iran has claimed to have targeted US military facilities in the Gulf and asserted that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed, developments that have contributed to higher global oil prices.

The situation remains fluid, with international observers closely monitoring developments due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz to global energy supplies and maritime trade.