Trump: US is taking out millions of barrels of oil weekly

U.S. President Donald Trump has reiterated his support for declaring the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory, while claiming that Washington currently has effective control over the strategically important waterway.

Speaking at a White House briefing, Trump said he considered the idea a “great” one and pointed to what he described as an effective U.S. blockade in the area, Caliber.Az reports. 

"We control it with the blockade. And I like the idea of declaring it a territory. We have total control over the Straight. Now, they can be a nuisance. They can put a mine in the water, and people don't like having mines hit their billion-dollar ships, you know, etc. But the blockade has been very effective [...] and you know we're taking out millions of barrels of oil a week," he said. 

Trump said the strait remains open to shipping and that oil prices are falling. He warned, however, that prices could rise if the United States takes what he called “far more drastic” action.

The president also said Iran was facing serious difficulties, citing unrest inside the country and what he described as a weakened military.

Trump further stated that the United States does not intend to continue its existing memorandum of understanding with Iran.

By Sabina Mammadli