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US President Donald Trump has said he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz part of United States territory after what he described as the defeat of Iran.
Speaking at a political rally at a police academy in New York state on Friday, Trump told supporters that the move would come “soon” once the conflict with Tehran was concluded.
“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, drawing laughter from the crowd. “It’s true,” he added.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes, with a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passing through the narrow waterway between Iran and Oman.
Trump’s comments come as the United States remains engaged in a confrontation with Iran following a military campaign launched alongside Israel on February 28. Washington and Tel Aviv have said the operation is intended to stop Iran’s nuclear activities and weaken the country’s military capabilities.
Iran has responded by restricting access through parts of the strait, affecting civilian shipping routes and increasing pressure on global energy markets. The United States has maintained a naval presence in the region and imposed restrictions on Iranian ports as part of efforts to pressure Tehran economically.
Addressing supporters at the rally, Trump claimed that US forces currently control access through the waterway.
“We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to,” he said.
Trump’s statement on the future status of the Strait of Hormuz has drawn attention because of the waterway’s strategic importance and its role in international trade. Any attempt to alter its legal status would represent a major shift in longstanding international maritime arrangements.
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