Iran publicly rejected former President Donald Trump’s remark that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz to be U.S. territory, with Tehran’s deputy foreign minister asserting the strategically vital waterway will remain under Iranian control.
- Former President Trump said at a rally he would "declare the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States;" Iran rejected the claim, calling the strait and its control Iranian.
- A White House official later told the Wall Street Journal the remark was a joke; reporting does not reconcile this with Iran's response.
- Iran has effectively closed Hormuz since late February and set conditions for reopening, and attacks on vessels in the area have continued, raising energy and security concerns for the U.S.
What was said
At a political rally in New York state, Trump said that after the United States defeats Iran, “pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” according to reporting cited by Iranian and international outlets.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on X, saying, “The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian,” and added that “This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command.” (Reporting: New Indian Express)
Conflicting explanations
A White House official later told the Wall Street Journal that Trump was joking, according to reporting referenced in the coverage, a characterization that contrasts with Trump’s rally comments and Iran’s firm rebuttal. The available reporting does not reconcile the two accounts.
How this fits into the wider stand-off
The comment comes amid an ongoing confrontation that has seen Tehran effectively close the strait since late February, according to reporting. Iran has intensified conditions for any reopening; a senior Iranian official, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, outlined demands including an end to military action against Iran and its allies, removal of sanctions, release of frozen assets and compensation for wartime damage. (Reporting: New Indian Express)
Attacks on commercial shipping in and near the strait have continued. United Arab Emirates state-owned ADNOC reported that one of its vessels was attacked the night before the New Indian Express report, and the UAE blamed Iran for other recent attacks on vessels linked to ADNOC as they transited the strait. Coverage said those strikes helped collapse a temporary ceasefire in April between Washington and Tehran. (Reporting: New Indian Express)
Economic and political stakes for the United States
Before the current crisis, the Strait of Hormuz handled about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas exports; reporting says the closure has pushed prices higher and created economic pressure for U.S. policymakers and voters. The New Indian Express coverage cited Vice President JD Vance as saying U.S. priorities are keeping energy prices low for Americans and preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. The story tied the situation to domestic political pressure ahead of U.S. elections. (Reporting: New Indian Express)
Diplomatic notes and maritime arrangements
Reporting said a June agreement between Washington and Tehran had set out that Iran and Oman would discuss future arrangements for the strait alongside other Gulf states and in line with international law. Iran later indicated it had an understanding with Oman on a transit route and said joint management discussions were being finalised. The same coverage said the U.S. has imposed what it described as a retaliatory blockade on Iranian ports. (Reporting: New Indian Express)
What remains unresolved
- Whether Trump’s remark should be read as a serious policy proposal: a White House official reportedly called it a joke, while Iran treated it as a provocation. The available reporting does not provide additional corroboration.
- How and when maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz might resume: Iran has listed multiple conditions; no agreement satisfying all parties has been reported.
- Accountability for recent vessel attacks: UAE statements and ADNOC’s report were cited, but the available reporting does not include independent verification attributing responsibility.
Timeline of recent developments (from reporting)
- Late February: Reporting indicates Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz at the start of the Middle East war.
- April: An April ceasefire between the United States and Iran collapsed after attacks on shipping.
- June: A deal between Washington and Tehran envisaged Iran and Oman discussing future arrangements for the strait with other Gulf countries.
- Mid-August: Trump told a rally he would declare the Hormuz Strait U.S. territory; Iran publicly rebutted the remark; a White House official later called Trump’s comment a joke. ADNOC reported a vessel attack around the same time.
Why this matters to American readers
Disruption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz affects global energy flows and can raise fuel prices for U.S. consumers and businesses. The incident also intersects with U.S. foreign policy, military posture and political debate ahead of elections. How Washington responds to Iranian control over a critical shipping lane could have direct economic and security implications for the United States.
Reporting and attribution
This article is based on reporting in New Indian Express summarised via news aggregators and references to a Wall Street Journal clarification cited in that coverage. Specific quotes and claims in this article are attributed to those reports where noted.
