Iran war: Trump to declare Hormuz US territory 'soon'

President Donald Trump announced Friday his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory "soon," following what he described as Iran's "very badly defeated" state. Speaking at a rally in Garden City, New York, Trump stated, "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." He added, "It's true."

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After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi swiftly dismissed Trump's remarks, stating the country would "not be intimidated" and that the strategic waterway would remain under its control. The US and Israel initiated the war against Iran on February 28, aiming to halt its nuclear program and force regime change. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes on US allies and a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG shipments.

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It's true.

The ensuing stalemate over the vital waterway has caused energy prices to soar, with rising oil and gas costs expected to be a major issue in the upcoming November midterm elections. Trump urged Americans to accept slightly higher gasoline prices as a necessary cost for preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, framing the US actions as a "great service for the world."

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would not be intimidated

During the rally, Trump also addressed concerns about the living conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, deployed amid the conflict. Relatives of service members reported difficult conditions and deteriorating mental health, including suicide attempts. Trump denied the deployment had lasted too long, insisting it was "not nearly enough" and confirmed the ship would be replaced by a similar vessel.

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