Trump Calls Strait of Hormuz ‘American Territory’ Amid Rising Tensions With Iran

Darwin, August 23 : US President Donald Trump has described the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as “American territory,” while saying that Iran is interested in reaching a deal but is not yet ready to make the “right deal.” Al Jazeera reported the remarks on Saturday (August 22).

Meanwhile, the United States has imposed fresh and tougher economic sanctions on Iran. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described the sanctions as a “declaration of war against all countries.”

Amid growing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz, diplomatic efforts are also continuing. The foreign ministers of Oman and Iran held a phone call to discuss restarting talks on a bilateral agreement aimed at regulating shipping through the strategic waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy transit routes and has long been a source of tension between Iran and the United States. Any major disruption to shipping through the strait could have a significant impact on global oil supplies and energy markets.

Meanwhile, Israeli attacks have reportedly continued in several areas of southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire. Strikes were reported in several areas of the Bint Jbeil district in Nabatieh Governorate, around the town of Deir Siriane, and in the town of Al-Mansouri in the Tyre district.

Sources: Al Jazeera, The Guardian