Trump proposes U.S. territory designation for Strait of Hormuz amid tensions

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that he would soon designate the Strait of Hormuz as a territory of the United States. This announcement comes amid ongoing tensions and a military standoff involving Iran and the U.S. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, where approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes through. The expiration of a memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran on Sunday adds urgency to the situation.

Iran has responded to Trump’s remarks, branding them as “nonsense.” The Iranian government has been leveraging its control over the Strait as a means to exert pressure on the global economy. In recent months, the U.S. has maintained a naval blockade against Iranian ports, further straining its economy. Trump has framed this ongoing conflict as a high-stakes game, likening negotiations with Iran to chess. Despite his military threats, he has often refrained from taking decisive action against Iran.

During his speech at a police academy in New York, Trump claimed that after defeating Iran, he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. He suggested that the blockade effectively renders the strait under U.S. control, stating, “No ships get through unless we want them to.” However, maritime data indicates that vessels continue to transit the passage, contradicting Trump’s assertions. Experts note that the president’s comments appear to be more aimed at provoking Iran than being taken seriously.

Iranian officials have sharply criticized Trump’s statements. The head of Iran’s judiciary labeled the U.S. president as “criminal and feather-headed,” asserting that the Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, emphasized that the waterway cannot be claimed through rhetoric or military might. He affirmed Iran’s control over the strait, stating that it will remain under Iranian command. As both nations engage in this high-stakes standoff, the international community watches closely for further developments.