Trump says he will declare Strait of Hormuz ‘US territory’; Iran rejects claim

US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would “soon” declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States, escalating his rhetoric over the strategically vital waterway amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Speaking at a political rally in New York state, Trump expressed confidence that the US would defeat Iran and said Washington could assert control over the strait once the conflict ends.

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, with roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas supplies passing through it. The waterway has remained largely closed to commercial traffic since the US and Israel launched military action against Iran on February 28.

Iran rejects Trump’s claim

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump’s remarks, saying the Strait of Hormuz could not be seized through threats, military force or political declarations.

“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech,” Gharibabadi said.

He added that Iran neither feared threats nor backed down in the face of displays of military power, insisting that the waterway “has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian.”

Trump claims ‘total control’ of Hormuz

Trump had earlier claimed that the US had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz and suggested Washington intended to maintain it.

“The USA has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!” Trump said, describing the US naval blockade as a “WALL OF STEEL”.

Strait remains flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran. Iran tightened controls over the waterway following the US-Israeli military campaign, although ships from some countries, including India, were temporarily allowed to pass.

The US has sought to pressure Iran by imposing a naval blockade and targeting its economic lifelines. The disruption has pushed up global crude prices and raised concerns about a wider regional conflict.

Commercial shipping continues under strict security measures, but the waterway remains highly volatile amid the ongoing military standoff.