Iran-Krieg: Trump will Straße von Hormus zu US-Territorium machen

US President Donald Trump has declared that the Strait of Hormus will become US territory once Iran has been defeated, according to a campaign appearance in New Jersey. The President did not elaborate on his intention. This comes at a time when efforts to end the Iran war have stalled, with a 60-day ceasefire set to expire without extension.

The Strait of Hormus, a vital oil and gas shipping route, remains a contentious point between Washington and Tehran alongside Iran's nuclear program. Oil prices have skyrocketed due to Iran's threats and attacks disrupting shipping in the strait. Announcements of annexation plans like this are a key part of Trump's foreign policy.

Such claims have also been made regarding Venezuela, Cuba, or Greenland. It remains unclear if Trump will back up his words with action. Last month, Trump threatened to impose tolls in the strait, only to retract the plan shortly thereafter. The ceasefire agreement between Washington and Teheran stipulates that Iran must not charge fees during the 60-day negotiation period.

What happens after this time is unclear, as no agreement has been reached. The 60-day deadline expires this weekend. For Iran, the de facto blockade of the strait has proven to be the most effective pressure tactic against Trump. The US President has been struggling to find a solution to this problem, which did not exist before his unpopular war began.

The Strait of Hormus is only about 39 kilometers wide at its narrowest point. Since Iran and Oman each claim a 12-mile zone (approximately 22.2 kilometers), the territorial waters of both neighboring countries overlap. There are no international waters in this area. Despite the war's onset, trade ships passed through the strait unhindered and free of fees or charges.

Republican lawmakers have an interest in quickly ending the war, as they face voters in just three months. High fuel prices are not advantageous in this situation.