Trump Floats U.S. Control of Strait of Hormuz, Says Nations Should Pay for Protection

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has sparked a fresh global debate after suggesting that the United States could assume control of the Strait of Hormuz and require countries that rely on the vital shipping route to pay for its protection.

The remarks come amid renewed military tensions between the United States and Iran in the Gulf, a development that has unsettled global energy markets and reignited concerns over the security of one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It serves as a critical gateway for global energy trade, with around one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passing through the channel daily. Any disruption to shipping in the area can quickly affect international oil prices and broader economic stability.

Speaking on the issue, Trump argued that if the United States is expected to bear the responsibility of safeguarding the strategic waterway, countries benefiting from that security should contribute financially.

Describing America as the “guardian angel” of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said Washington should no longer provide military protection without compensation, insisting that nations dependent on uninterrupted oil shipments should share the cost of maintaining security in the region.

His comments follow heightened hostilities between Washington and Tehran after Iran reportedly sought to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait, a move the United States rejected as inconsistent with existing international agreements and sanctions.

The security situation deteriorated further after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards allegedly launched attacks targeting U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and Kuwait. In response, American forces carried out strikes against Iranian radar installations, missile sites, and naval assets.

The latest exchanges have effectively shattered the fragile ceasefire reached in June, an agreement that had sought to reduce tensions and

prevent Iran from charging commercial vessels for passage through the strategic waterway.

Trump has declared the ceasefire effectively over, accusing Tehran of repeatedly violating its commitments. Iranian officials, however, have maintained that they will no longer accept what they describe as one-sided arrangements, signaling a tougher negotiating position in future talks with Washington.

The renewed confrontation has widened instability across the Gulf and the broader Middle East. Iran-backed groups, including Yemen’s Houthis, have intensified regional attacks, while Saudi Arabia has responded with retaliatory military operations.

The growing uncertainty has already pushed oil prices upward as shipping companies reassess risks in one of the world’s busiest energy corridors. Analysts warn that prolonged disruptions could fuel higher fuel costs, inflationary pressures, and slower economic growth across major importing nations.

Trump’s proposal has also generated debate among security and foreign policy experts.

Supporters argue that the United States has spent decades protecting global trade routes at high financial cost and that allies should contribute more directly to maintaining maritime security.

Critics, however, warn that charging countries for access or protection in international waterways could undermine long-standing principles of free navigation and further complicate diplomatic relations with key U.S. partners, including China, India, Japan, and several European countries that rely heavily on Gulf energy supplies.

While it remains unclear whether Trump’s proposal reflects a future policy objective or a negotiating strategy, the comments have once again placed the Strait of Hormuz at the center of global geopolitical discussions.

With tensions between Washington and Tehran showing few signs of easing, developments in the Gulf are expected to remain a major factor influencing international energy markets, regional security, and global diplomacy in the months ahead.