Washington, USA — The United States strongly opposed the possibility of Iran and Oman gaining control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
During a cabinet meeting Wednesday U.S. time, United States President Donald Trump was asked whether he would agree to a short-term agreement that would place the key waterway under the control of Iran and Oman.
Trump immediately rejected the idea.
According to the US President, no country should control the Strait of Hormuz because it is an international waterway that must remain open to all.
He also stressed that freedom of navigation in the strait remains part of the ongoing peace talks between Washington and Tehran.
The Strait of Hormuz lies within the territorial waters of the coastal states Iran and Oman.
Based on the European Journal of International Law, both countries have sovereignty to establish laws and regulations over the waterway, but with certain limitations.
Among these is that they cannot block the passage of ships through the strait.
However, Tehran previously closed the route at the height of tensions in the Middle East following the joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel.
But the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS guarantees the right of passage for ships through international straits such as Hormuz.
However, Tehran has not formally ratified or approved it.
Meanwhile, Britannica also said that Tehran’s strong naval force gives the country significant influence and control over the strategic strait.
Trump’s remarks also came amid reports that Iran and Oman were discussing a possible system that would allow them to impose toll fees on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump had earlier opposed the proposal.
The US President also issued a warning against Oman during the recent cabinet meeting.
According to Trump, Oman must “behave” or the United States would “blow them up”.