Statement by the North American president reflects a change in stance, as the Republican had said that Asian and European countries should be responsible for reopening the crossing
The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Friday (3), in a publication on the social network Truth Social, that Washington could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if given more time. The statement highlights a change of posture from the Republican, who said that Asian and European countries should be responsible for reopening the crossing.
“With a little more time, we can easily OPEN THE STRAIT OF ORMUZ, EXTRACT THE OIL AND MAKE A FORTUNE. WOULD IT BE A ‘BOOT’ FOR THE WORLD???”, Trump pointed out on the social network.
The Republican’s comment appeared to reflect remarks he made privately this week in which he expressed the desire to continue the war e try to seize Iranian oilbut said it was “regrettable” that Americans don’t seem to have the appetite for the endeavor.
The declaration comes after 35 countries met via videoconference on Thursday (2), with the aim of think about strategies to reopen the passage.
Iranian attacks on commercial ships and the threat of more attacks have paralyzed almost all traffic on the waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world’s oceans, closing a critical route for the global flow of oil and making oil prices soar.
No country appears willing to try to open the strait by force as fighting continues and Iran may target vessels with anti-ship missiles, drones, attack boats e minas.
French President Emmanuel Macron stated that as it would expose Iranian navies to attack for long periods of time, “We do not believe that we can liberate it or open it by force,” the French president said during a visit to South Korea.
Trump speech
In one (1st), Trump said that Americans “don’t need” the strait, but that countries that do “should seize it and preserve it.”
At an earlier White House event, Trump called on his allies in Asia and China to get involved in reopening the waterway.
“Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 troops in danger over there, right next to a nuclear force — let South Korea do it,” Trump said. “Let Japan do it. They get 90% of their oil from the Straits. Let China do it.”
*With information from Estadão Conteúdo
