Trump plans to declare Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory soon

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that he would "soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States. Speaking at a rally in Garden City, New York, Trump claimed that this move would follow the defeat of Iran, which he stated was "being very badly defeated." His comments raised questions about whether they reflect a serious policy shift or merely a rhetorical flourish in the ongoing conflict with Tehran.

The declaration comes amid a protracted war between the U.S. and Iran that began on February 28. The stated goals of the U.S. include dismantling Iran's nuclear program and inciting a popular uprising against the Iranian government. In response, Iran has conducted drone and missile strikes against U.S. allies in the region and has imposed a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. The situation has led to rising energy prices and heightened tensions, with both nations locked in a stalemate.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, dismissed Trump's remarks, asserting that Iran would not be intimidated and that it would maintain control over the strategic waterway. The U.S. has implemented its own naval blockade in response to Iran’s actions, further escalating the conflict. The rising costs of oil and gas, along with the economic impact of the war, are expected to be key issues in the upcoming midterm elections.

During the rally, Trump encouraged Americans to accept higher gasoline prices as a necessary sacrifice to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities. He framed the military actions as a global service, stating, "What we're doing is a great service for the world, not only for ourselves." Trump also addressed concerns regarding the living conditions of U.S. service members aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the region for nine months, and insisted that the deployment was not excessive.