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U.S. President Donald Trump declared Friday that he would "finish defeating" Iran and soon claim the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory. Trump has frequently asserted U.S. control over the vital energy waterway, a claim Iran disputes.

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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.

"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," Trump said during a rally in New York, adding with a chuckle, "It's true."

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It's true.

However, an unnamed White House official later clarified to The Wall Street Journal that Trump was joking. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, responded on X Saturday, stating, "The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian." He added, "This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command."

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The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian.

Trump also claimed the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade, preventing ships from passing unless permitted. "We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to," he told supporters.

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This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command.