President Donald Trump says the U.S. will take control of the Strait of Hormuz and seek payment for securing the strategic waterway amid escalating tensions with Iran. 

Mr Trump made the remarks during a telephone interview on Fox News’ Fox & Friends programme on Monday. 

He said the U.S. would become the “guardian” of the strait. 

According to him, friendly nations benefiting from the route should reimburse Washington. 

“We are going to guard it. We are going to get paid,” Mr Trump said. 

The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global oil exports. Iran’s blockade of the waterway has raised global energy prices and inflation concerns. 

Tehran announced the closure on Saturday, July 11, after what it described as an unauthorised transit. 

Iran later said shipping would remain suspended until stability and calm were restored. 

Mr Trump accused Iran of repeatedly violating previous agreements with the U.S., and warned that Washington would respond forcefully to further breaches. 

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said normal shipping would resume only after the U.S. military operations in the waterway ceased. 

The guards warned that continued U.S. intervention could further disrupt global oil and gas markets. 

The U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged missile and drone attacks over the weekend and on Monday. 

The latest fighting has intensified regional tensions and cast doubt on last month’s interim agreement to reopen the strait and suspend hostilities while further negotiations continue.

(Reuters/NAN)