Trump Calls Strait of Hormuz ‘American Territory’ as US Blockade Tightens Pressure on Iran
Donald Trump has called the Strait of Hormuz “American territory” as US forces enforce a blockade affecting Iranian shipping, but the claim does not change the waterway’s internationally recognised legal status
US President Donald Trump has described the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory” as US forces continue enforcing a military blockade affecting Iranian shipping, escalating the rhetoric surrounding one of the world's most strategically important waterways.
Trump's claim, however, does not change the strait's legal status or grant the United States recognised sovereignty over the waterway.
What Did Trump Say?
Speaking in South Carolina, Trump said: “I view the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now.”
He also joked about the possibility of launching another bombing campaign against Iran.
Trump had previously suggested that the US blockade effectively gives Washington control over the waterway, saying that “No ships get through unless we want them to.”
He later posted a map on social media that labelled the Strait of Hormuz as “new U.S. territory,” further intensifying the dispute over the strategic waterway.
US Military Tightens Blockade
The comments come as the US military continues restricting shipping linked to Iran.
US Central Command said American forces had redirected 68 commercial vessels as of Friday as part of efforts to enforce the blockade.
Washington is using the restrictions to increase economic and financial pressure on Tehran and limit Iran's oil exports, while peace negotiations remain unresolved nearly six months into the conflict.
Why Is the Strait of Hormuz Important?
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between Iran and Oman and one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.
Around one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil supply normally passes through the waterway. Any prolonged disruption could therefore have consequences far beyond the Middle East, potentially affecting global oil prices, shipping costs and energy markets.
That makes the US military presence and blockade particularly significant for international trade and energy security.
Iran Dismisses Trump's Claim
Iran has rejected Trump's characterisation of the waterway.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed the US president's statement as “delusions,” signalling that Tehran does not recognise Washington's claim of control over the strait.
Despite the US military's ability to restrict or redirect shipping during the current blockade, that operational control does not by itself establish US sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest remarks therefore add a new layer to an already escalating confrontation: while Washington is asserting military control over shipping in the waterway, Trump's declaration does not alter the strait's internationally recognised legal status.
