President Donald Trump says the United States would probably take over and “run” the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, and that it should be reimbursed for controlling it. Speaking in a phone interview with Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Trump said the US would become the “guardian of the strait,” adding variations of the phrase “guardian angel of the strait.” He also said the US has been guarding the waterway “for nothing,” and that it now wants payment, including comments that it would be “a lot of money,” while emphasizing concerns about putting US personnel in danger.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions involving Iran and the US, with multiple outlets noting that recent attacks have disrupted shipping traffic through the strait and increased doubts about efforts to reach a permanent end to the conflict. One outlet also reports that Iran’s Revolutionary Guards links the restoration of regular shipping to ending US military interventions in the waterway. Other reports state Iran says the strait is “closed,” while the US says it remains open to maritime traffic and is not controlled by Iran.
