Trump moves to claim Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory; Iran rejects
The White House later called Trump's remarks at the rally a joke, while Tehran insisted ships need Iran's permission.
U.S. President Donald Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after “defeating” Iran. He made the remarks at a rally at a New York police academy, and a White House official later told the Wall Street Journal they were a joke. Iran immediately rejected the claim. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on X that the Strait of Hormuz “has been, is and will remain Iran's property.” CNN Indonesia also quoted Basij Commander Hossein Taeb and the Khatam Al Anbiya Central Headquarters as saying the strait is under Iran's control and no ship can pass without Tehran's permission. The dispute highlights renewed U.S.-Iran tensions over a sea lane vital to global energy shipments.