Trump Says US May Take Control of Strait of Hormuz

President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States could take full control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, adding that wealthy allies should compensate Washington for acting as the "guardian angel" of one of the world's most important oil shipping routes.

Trump also accused Iran of violating previous agreements and threatened further military action.

Tehran, which closed the strait on Saturday, said shipping would remain suspended until calm is fully restored. Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned Monday that ending US military intervention is the only way to resume normal navigation, adding that further American action would trigger greater disruption to global oil and gas markets.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump later clarified that the Strait of Hormuz is open and will remain open – with or without Iran. He also specified the compensation the United States would seek for ensuring that passage remains open: 20% of the value of cargo transported through the strait, which he said would cover the cost of protecting shipping.

The latest exchange of missile and drone attacks between US and Iranian forces has pushed oil prices higher and cast fresh doubt on last month's 60-day truce, which was intended to reopen the strait and halt hostilities.

(Reuters, Max)