US President Donald Trump said yesterday that he would “finish defeating Iran” before declaring the strategic Strait of Hormuz as United States territory.
Trump made the remarks during a political rally at a police academy in New York, where he repeatedly asserted that the vital energy shipping route was under US control despite Tehran having effectively closed the strait during the early stages of the Middle East war.
“After we finish defeating Iran, which is suffering a heavy defeat, I will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as United States territory,” Trump said while appearing to laugh.
He then added: “It’s true.”
A White House official later clarified that Trump was joking when making the remarks, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The comments nevertheless drew a sharp response from Iran, highlighting the continuing tensions surrounding the strategic waterway.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded in a post on X today, insisting that Tehran maintains its claim over the strait.
“The Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will remain Iranian,” he said.
The waterway is a crucial global energy route, making any disruption or military escalation around the strait a matter of international concern.
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides continuing to exchange threats and statements over the conflict in the region.
