Donald Trump © REUTERS / Evelyn Hockstein
He threatened that Washington would not hesitate to engage military force if any party tried to establish sole dominance over the artery, Fox News reported.
“These are international waters – no one will control them. We will keep an eye on them. We will provide oversight. But control by anybody will not be tolerated,” Trump stressed during a question and answer session at the monthly Cabinet meeting on May 27.
According to Trump, the issue of controlling the strait is part of ongoing behind-the-scenes negotiations. He hinted that Tehran is actively seeking a formal role for itself in managing shipping in the region.
“This is part of our ongoing negotiations: Iran would like to control the strait. But no one will control international waters,” the US president emphasized.
He separately addressed Oman. Earlier, Iranian state television said Muscat could help Tehran jointly regulate ship traffic. Asked by reporters if he would agree to a deal sharing control of the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman, Trump said:
“Oman will behave just like everybody else. Otherwise we will have to blow them up. They understand that very well. So they’ll be fine. They understand that. They will be fine.
