Failing to Make Iran Surrender, Trump to Declare Strait of Hormuz American Territory

US President Donald Trump has threatened to designate the Strait of Hormuz as ‘United States territory’ amid his administration’s efforts to end the war with Iran.

In a speech at a police academy in Long Island, New York, on Friday, the US President stated that he would soon declare the waterway as US territory.

“After we finish defeating Iran—which is suffering a crushing defeat—before long I will declare the Strait of Hormuz as United States territory,” Trump said on Friday.

“Essentially, that is the reality. We control the blockade. No ship can pass unless we allow it.”

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global trade, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil supply normally passes.

As reported by the Guardian, the statement came as peace negotiations with Iran reached an impasse after earlier talks also failed. Iran has so far refused to surrender, even though Trump has repeatedly claimed Tehran has been ‘destroyed’.

Responding to Trump’s threat, via platform X (formerly Twitter), Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that Tehran will not be intimidated by threats or shows of force from the US.