Strait of Contention: What's at Stake if Washington Claims Hormuz The Strait of Hormuz, a 21 mile wide waterway connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea, is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies.
As tensions between the US and Iran escalate, President Trump's comment about declaring the strait part of US territory has alarmed Tehran and raised questions about Washington's intentions.
Trump's statement reflects a growing trend in American policy: unilaterally asserting control over critical waterways, often bypassing international agreements and institutions.