‘Pretty soon’: Trump vows to claim Hormuz as US territory; Iran hits back

US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will soon claim the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as American territory, amplifying his rhetoric regarding the waterway at the heart of the ongoing conflict with Iran. During a rally in New York, Trump declared, "After we finish defeating Iran... I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," though he did not elaborate on the implementation process or legal consequences of such a declaration.

In recent days, Trump claimed the US had "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and referred to the American naval blockade as a "WALL OF STEEL." The waterway is crucial for global oil and gas transportation, and any disruptions could heighten concerns over energy supplies and prices.

Iran vehemently rejected Trump's assertion, with deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that the waterway will continue to be under Tehran's control. Gharibabadi warned that Iran would determine when the strait is opened or closed and would maintain the blockade until Washington acknowledges Iran's "strategic defeat."

He posted on X, "Once and for all, accept the reality: up to this point, you have suffered strategic and heavy defeats; the Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian; this strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and cease your fanciful delusions, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade."

The heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran persisted, with the US maintaining its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Trump asserted that the blockade meant "No ships get through unless we want them to." Trump had previously stated that Iran was severely weakened by the conflict, claiming they still had some missile and drone capabilities, but acknowledged a significant reduction in their manufacturing capacity.

Trump also claimed that "159 ships are right now at the bottom of the sea" and that Iran had 212 aircraft, adding that "every one of their airplanes is shot down."

The Strait of Hormuz situation grew more volatile, as two tankers operated by Abu Dhabi's state-owned oil company ADNOC were attacked by drones while passing through the waterway on Thursday. Although no casualties were reported, the attacks caused minor damage and prompted the UAE to accuse Iran of piracy and a violation of freedom of navigation.

The attacks have decreased commercial traffic through the strait, which typically carries a substantial portion of the world's oil supply. Iran has continued to restrict shipping, while the US has upheld its blockade and threatened further economic pressure on Tehran.