Trump says will 'soon' declare Hormuz strait US territory
In a bold and provocative statement, President Donald Trump suggests declaring the strategic Strait of Hormuz as US territory, igniting fierce responses from Iran amidst ongoing military tensions.
President Donald Trump claimed on Friday that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of the United States' territory following the defeat of Iran. The president repeatedly stated during a political rally in New York state that the crucial energy waterway, which Iran had effectively closed at the beginning of the Middle East conflict, was under US control. However, an unnamed White House official later clarified that Trump's statement was a joke.
Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on Saturday in a post on X, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz has always been Iranian, remains Iranian, and will continue to be Iranian. He added that the strait can only be closed and opened under Iran's authority. The United States and Israel initiated a war against Iran on February 28, leading to Tehran asserting de facto control over most of the Strait of Hormuz, which is vital for global trade.
The US remains in a stalemate with Iran over the strait, with Iran blocking access to many civilian ships and the US Navy attempting to blockade Iranian ports to weaken its economy. Trump boasted during his rally about the blockade, stating that no ships can pass unless the administration allows them to.
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