Trump Says U.S. Could Claim Strait of Hormuz as American Territory
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States could seek to designate the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory following the conclusion of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Speaking at a rally in Long Island, New York, Trump said the move could come after U.S. forces succeed in defeating Iran.
Trump also recently claimed that the United States has gained “total control” of the crucial waterway. In a post on Truth Social, he suggested that Washington could maintain its presence there, describing the American naval blockade as a powerful barrier against Iranian efforts.
The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most important flashpoints in the conflict because of its enormous role in global energy transportation. Roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments travel through the narrow waterway before reaching international markets.
The ongoing confrontation has disrupted commercial shipping and increased uncertainty across global energy markets. Iranian actions against commercial vessels have added to concerns about the security of ships traveling through the region.
Those disruptions have also contributed to higher fuel costs. According to the American Automobile Association, the average U.S. gasoline price reached about $4.08 per gallon on Aug. 14, compared with roughly $2.98 before the conflict began in late February.
Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz falls within its territorial waters. The United States and other countries, however, regard the passage as an international waterway where commercial and military vessels retain navigational rights under international law.
Iran has also discussed imposing fees on vessels using the strait and has threatened to keep the waterway closed unless Washington accepts a series of conditions. Those demands reportedly include an end to U.S. military strikes, the removal of the naval blockade, and the lifting of economic sanctions.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration appears to be preparing additional economic measures against Tehran.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Aug. 13 that Washington intends to increase economic pressure on Iran while continuing restrictions designed to limit the movement of goods into and out of the country.
Bessent indicated that further measures could be announced soon, describing the administration's strategy as a major escalation of economic pressure.
The developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz are being closely watched around the world, with any prolonged disruption potentially affecting oil prices, shipping costs, and energy markets far beyond the Middle East.