(LEAD) Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory 'pretty soon'

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on August 14 that he will declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory "pretty soon," asserting America's control over the crucial waterway through its naval blockade. Speaking at a police academy in Garden City, New York, Trump mentioned that after their recent success in defeating Iran, which is "being very badly defeated," he intends to declare the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States.

The administration's control over the Strait of Hormuz has been a significant concern due to disruptions in shipping caused by the ongoing war in the Middle East, leading to higher energy prices. Trump stated that his military actions are at a level he is comfortable with, but emphasized that the United States cannot allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. He claimed that the U.S. is winning big in the Iran war and that Tehran's leadership is gone, making negotiations impossible.

Tehran has threatened to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed until the U.S. agrees to its demands, including war reparations, the removal of U.S. naval blockade, and withdrawal of forces from locations around Iran. Several countries, including South Korea, have expressed hope for the full reopening of the strait as it plays a vital role in energy imports for many nations.