Iran has strongly rejected US President Donald Trump’s threat to declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States, insisting that the strategically important waterway will remain under Iranian control.
Trump made the controversial statement on Friday during a political rally in New York, saying that after the United States “finish[es] defeating Iran,” he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory. He also claimed that the United States currently had effective control over the strategic waterway.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded by dismissing Trump’s remarks and insisting that the Strait of Hormuz could not simply be taken over through a political declaration or military show of force.
Gharibabadi said the waterway “has been, is and will remain Iranian,” adding that it would only be opened or closed under Iran’s authority. He also said Iran was not intimidated by threats or displays of American military power.
The remarks have further escalated tensions between Washington and Tehran, which have been locked in a prolonged conflict involving military action, sanctions and restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its disruption has significant consequences for global oil supplies and energy prices.
Iran has effectively restricted shipping through the strait during the ongoing conflict, while the United States has sought to maintain access for authorised vessels. Shipping traffic has fallen dramatically compared with levels before the conflict, adding pressure to global energy markets.
Trump’s comments have also drawn attention because control of the Strait of Hormuz is not something that can simply be transferred through a unilateral declaration. The waterway lies between Iran and Oman, making its status a matter of international law and regional sovereignty.
Adding another layer to the controversy, a senior White House official reportedly later said Trump was joking when he made the remark and had not discussed any plan to formally declare the strait US territory with his advisers.
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