President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict with Iran. Speaking at a police academy in Garden City, New York, Trump stated, '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 claimed the U.S. already controls the strait through a naval blockade, asserting that 'no ships get through unless we want them to.' The remarks were delivered during a rally attended by law enforcement officers, where Trump also urged Americans to accept temporary increases in gasoline prices as a cost of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Global oil prices have risen this week, with Brent crude approaching $90 per barrel and U.S. gasoline prices climbing to around $4 per gallon.
Reactions and Context
Iran’s Defiant Response
Iranian officials swiftly rejected Trump’s declaration. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on social media that the strait would only be opened or closed under Iran’s authority, calling the U.S. threats an attempt at intimidation. Tehran has also walked away from U.S.-led peace negotiations, which have stalled nearly six months into the conflict. Since the war began in late February, maritime traffic through the strait—a critical global oil shipping route—has ground to a near-total halt.
Ongoing Conflict and Economic Impact
The war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran has led to a sustained naval blockade of Iranian ports and shipping lanes, aimed at exerting economic pressure on Tehran. The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed for a record 240 consecutive days, with Trump dismissing concerns about the mental health and supply issues of the crew. The conflict has also triggered a rise in global oil prices, with energy markets closely monitoring the strait’s status.
Trump defended the military engagement, stating, 'I did the right thing' and acknowledging that he had used the U.S. military 'a little bit more than I wanted to' during his second term. He framed higher gasoline prices as a necessary trade-off to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities, calling it 'a great service for the world.'
Broader Implications for U.S. Policy
Trump’s remarks follow a pattern of escalating rhetoric regarding U.S. control over strategically vital regions. In June, he suggested the U.S. could take control of Kharg Island, a key Iranian oil export hub located northwest of the Strait of Hormuz. Other proposals in recent months have included reclaiming the Panama Canal, taking control of Gaza, and annexing Greenland. The latest declaration signals a potential expansion of U.S. territorial claims in the Middle East.
Background: The Strait of Hormuz and Its Significance
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply typically passes. Since the conflict began, the strait has been effectively closed, disrupting global energy markets and raising concerns about long-term supply disruptions. The U.S. and Iran have been locked in a standoff over control of the waterway, with both sides accusing the other of escalatory actions. Iran has attacked vessels in the strait, while the U.S. has maintained a blockade to pressure Tehran economically.