Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the United States is in the process of assuming control over the Strait of Hormuz to ensure the uninterrupted flow of international shipping.

According to Qatar News Agency, Trump revealed these plans during an interview with Fox News, where he emphasized the strategic importance of the waterway and the United States' role in its protection over the past 50 years. Trump mentioned that the US has been safeguarding the strait without receiving compensation and proposed the implementation of transit fees on vessels if current negotiations are unsuccessful.

Trump criticized Iran's prior attempts to impose transit fees, labeling them as unacceptable and a deviation from established norms. He further clarified that the recent memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran, signed several weeks ago, was merely an extension of a ceasefire and not a conclusive agreement. Trump issued a warning about the possibility of new military strikes against Iran if the activities of its regional proxies continue.

In April, a ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States was facilitated mainly by Pakistan, following conflicts that began on February 28. Subsequently, on June 17, both nations signed a memorandum of understanding that aimed to cease hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and initiate negotiations toward a final agreement within a 60-day timeframe, with an option to extend. However, recent hostilities resumed following attacks on ships passing through the strait.