Trump claims he will soon declare Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory

Former U.S. President Donald Trump declared at a rally that he would soon designate the Strait of Hormuz as United States territory, following a supposed defeat of Iran. "When we finish beating Iran, which is taking a very big defeat, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz United States territory very soon," Trump told supporters at a New York State Police Academy event. He added, "That's true."

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When we finish beating Iran, which is taking a very big defeat, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz United States territory very soon.

However, an unnamed White House official later clarified that Trump was joking, as reported by The Wall Street Journal. This statement came amid ongoing tensions over the crucial waterway, which is vital for energy shipments. Iran has previously asserted its control over the strait, particularly during regional conflicts.

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That's true.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on social media platform X, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz "was, is, and will be Iran's." He further stated, "This strait will be closed and opened under the sole leadership of Iran."

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The Strait of Hormuz was, is, and will be Iran's.

Trump also claimed the U.S. Navy was blockading the strait, preventing ships from passing unless permitted. The U.S. and Iran have been in a standoff over the strait, with Iran restricting access for many civilian vessels and the U.S. Navy blockading Iranian ports to pressure its economy.

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This strait will be closed and opened under the sole leadership of Iran.