Donald Trump to declare Hormuz US territory 'soon'

Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial trade route, a US territory, according to a rally he held in Garden City, New York state. Trump made the statement during a rally where he spoke about the ongoing conflict with Iran, which has been lasting more than five months. However, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's remarks, stating that Iran would not be intimidated and that the strategic waterway would continue to be under its control.

The United States and Israel initiated the war against Iran on February 28, with the primary objectives being to dismantle Iran's nuclear program and force regime change in the Islamic Republic. In response, Iran has been targeting US allies in the Middle East with drone and missile strikes, as well as imposing a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Both countries have been locked in a stalemate over the vital waterway, causing energy prices to surge, and the economic consequences of the war are expected to be significant issues in the upcoming midterm elections. During the rally, Trump also addressed concerns about the living conditions aboard a US aircraft carrier deployed to the Middle East, denying that the deployment had been prolonged, and confirmed that it would be replaced by another similar vessel.