Trump claims Hormuz will be US territory; Iran calls it 'delusional fantasy'

President Donald Trump declared that the Strait of Hormuz would soon be declared U.S. territory, asserting that the U.S. effectively controls its blockade. "Essentially, yes. Because we're blocking it," Trump told reporters.

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The Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will remain Iranian territory. It cannot be controlled by tweets, aircraft carriers, orders, or election speeches.

Iran swiftly responded to Trump's assertion, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi calling it "delusional fantasy." Gharibabadi stated on X, formerly Twitter, that the Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will remain Iranian territory. He emphasized that the strait cannot be controlled by tweets, aircraft carriers, orders, or election speeches.

"Accept reality now. You have repeatedly lost strategically and at an enormous cost," Gharibabadi wrote, addressing the U.S. He added that the strait would only be blockaded and opened according to Iran's orders. "As long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and remain lost in delusional fantasies, Iran will continue the blockade."

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Accept reality now. You have repeatedly lost strategically and at an enormous cost. As long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and remain lost in delusional fantasies, Iran will continue the blockade.

The U.S. and Iran have been in a standoff over control of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil transport. Both nations have used military force to enforce blockades, severely disrupting maritime traffic. Shipping volume through the strait has fallen to less than a fifth of its pre-war average, with 56 reported ship damages in the strait and surrounding waters since the U.S.-Iran conflict began.

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The Strait of Hormuz will soon be declared U.S. territory. Essentially, yes. Because we're blocking it.