US President Donald Trump has claimed he is “thinking about taking over” the Strait of Hormuz to ensure it remains open, a critical chokepoint for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. This statement comes amid an ongoing war with Iran, which has led to the strait’s closure and sent oil prices soaring, threatening global economic stability. The Trump administration’s rhetoric highlights the escalating tensions in the region, driven by the US-led military campaign.
Iranian authorities have declared the strait closed and threatened to set ablaze any vessels attempting passage. Ebrahim Jabari, a senior adviser to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps command, stated on March 2 that “the strait is closed” and warned that “heroes of the Revolutionary Guard and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze.” He further claimed attacks on oil pipelines would prevent any oil from leaving the region, predicting oil prices could reach $200. These actions have already caused Brent crude prices to spike by over 30%, briefly topping $119 a barrel, with prices remaining elevated despite some decline.
Additional pressure on energy markets has come from attacks on facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, including QatarEnergy’s LNG production halt and a fire at Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, which officials linked to intercepted Iranian drones. Iranian officials have denied involvement in these incidents. The volatility has prompted warnings from industry leaders, with Aramco CEO Amin Nasser cautioning about “catastrophic consequences” for oil markets and the global economy if disruptions persist.
In an interview with CBS News, Trump allegedly stated he was “thinking about taking over” the strait and threatened to hit Iran “twenty times harder” if it disrupts oil flow. He purportedly expects the war to end soon, but experts question the feasibility of US control, noting the strait lies within Iranian and Omani territorial waters. Alexander Freeman, a shipping law expert, pointed out that without consent from Iran and Oman, such a move would constitute an incursion on their sovereignty, though escort missions by US or international navies might be possible.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and allies are preparing a “purely defensive” mission to escort vessels through the strait once the intense phase of the war ends. Meanwhile, Iranian leaders show no signs of backing down, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowing to continue fighting and advisor Kamal Kharazi ruling out diplomacy, accusing the Trump regime of deception during past negotiations. Analysts suggest Iran aims to destabilize the region and global markets to pressure the US into a ceasefire.
The war’s economic impact, coupled with domestic political pressure in the US as mid-term elections approach in November, could force the Trump administration to reconsider its strategy. Experts note that if oil prices surge again, Gulf states might push for a US pullback, highlighting the broader geopolitical and economic costs of the conflict. The situation remains fluid, with the strait’s status and global energy security hanging in the balance.
Source: www.aljazeera.com