WASHINGTON—President Donald Trump claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open and asserted that the United States maintains total control of this strategic waterway.
“It’s open…
We 100% control the strait!” Trump declared, referring to the situation in the strait,
one of the main corridors for the global transport of oil and other energy
products.
The US
president’s statement comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East and
international attention on the safety of navigation in this area, which
connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
The Strait
of Hormuz is of strategic importance to global energy trade, so any disruption
to navigation could have repercussions in international markets and fuel
prices.
Trump’s
claim of US control of the strait is a far-reaching statement, and some
commentators believe it should be compared with the operational and military
situation in the area.