Trump Proposes U.S. Control of Strait of Hormuz for Payment

In a phone interview with Fox News on Monday, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that the United States could assume responsibility for the security of the Strait of Hormuz and potentially seek reimbursement for this protection.

He described the Strait as a critical waterway for global oil shipments and suggested that the U.S. might become the "guardian" of the Strait, possibly referring to itself as a "guardian angel." Trump emphasized that the U.S. would not expect anything in return from wealthier nations benefiting from the security provided. The comments came amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Iran, following Iran's announcement of a closure of the Strait due to unauthorized ship transits.

Trump accused Tehran of reneging on previous agreements and warned of severe consequences if provocations continued. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard has reportedly restored normal shipping operations in the Strait, while the U.S. military remains vigilant in the region.