Trump declares Strait of Hormuz US territory amid Iran tensions

U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz “American territory” during a campaign rally in South Carolina on Friday, escalating tensions with Iran amid a military and economic standoff. The remarks, made as the U.S. continues to block Iranian shipping and impose sanctions, underscore Trump’s assertion of control over the strategic waterway, which is critical to global energy trade.

Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, Trump told supporters, “We don’t even know if we won, because I view the strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now.” He repeated the claim later, stating, “It’s an American territory,” while addressing a crowd. The president also joked about bombing Iran, saying, “What the hell do I have to do? Go back and bomb Iran a little bit more?” The comments came as the U.S. military redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with its blockade of Iranian ports, according to U.S. Central Command.

Trump’s declaration aligns with his broader strategy of economic pressure on Iran, which he has called the “most crushing economic operation ever taken.” The U.S. has restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for roughly one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supply, and warned countries supporting Iran of “tremendous economic consequences.” The president also shared an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform labeling the waterway as “NEW U.S. Territory,” reinforcing his territorial claims.

Iran dismissed Trump’s assertions as “delusions,” with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stating that the U.S. President’s claims would be “corrected either by circumstances or by Iran.” Iranian Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei criticized the remarks, saying, “The gap between America’s inability to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and its claim to own it is greater than the 7,000-mile distance between Washington and the Strait itself.” He added, “Welcome to the post-American order in the Persian Gulf.”

Trump’s comments reflect his insistence on maintaining U.S. dominance over the region, even as Iran has refused to lift its own blockade of the strait unless the U.S. fulfills commitments under a 14-point memorandum of understanding. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated Tehran would not reopen the waterway until Washington lifts the blockade, releases frozen Iranian assets, and eases oil sanctions. The standoff has persisted for six months, with both sides failing to negotiate a peace deal.

The president also reiterated his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, declaring, “We cannot let them have a nuclear weapon; we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon, or you will see some very bad things.” He claimed to have “stopped them” from acquiring nuclear capabilities, though Iran has consistently denied seeking such weapons. Trump’s remarks on the strait and nuclear issue were framed as part of his broader campaign to project strength, even as tensions with Iran remain unresolved.

Iranian officials have accused the U.S. of exacerbating the crisis through its blockade, which has disrupted global energy markets and heightened regional instability. The Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran and Oman, remains a flashpoint for geopolitical rivalry, with both sides vying for influence over its strategic and economic value. Trump’s territorial claims, while symbolic, risk further inflaming hostilities, particularly as the U.S. continues to impose sanctions and maintain a military presence in the region.