By Desmond Nleya
WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, saying he currently views the waterway as “American territory” while accusing Iran of being unwilling to accept what he described as the right deal.
Trump said Iran would like to reach an agreement with Washington but was not yet prepared to accept the terms he considers necessary.
The comments come as tensions between the United States and Iran remain high, with Washington imposing fresh economic sanctions on Tehran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei described the latest sanctions as a “declaration of war” against all nations.
Meanwhile, Oman and Iran have held high-level discussions on efforts to return to negotiations over an agreement governing navigation and the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The waterway is critical to global oil and gas supplies, and any disruption to shipping through the strait could have significant consequences for international energy markets.
Elsewhere in the region, Israeli forces have continued carrying out strikes in parts of southern Lebanon despite an existing ceasefire. Areas affected include parts of the Bint Jbeil district in Nabatieh province, near Deir Siryan, as well as al-Mansouri in Tyre.
The latest developments add to growing concerns that tensions involving the United States, Iran, Israel and regional actors could further destabilise the Middle East.
