Trump plans to declare Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after defeating Iran

President Donald Trump declared Friday that he intends to claim the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory once Iran is defeated. Speaking at a rally in Long Island, New York, Trump asserted that the U.S. has established a blockade, controlling passage through the vital waterway.

This declaration comes as a deadline for a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran approaches. The current understanding, signed June 17, mandates an immediate and permanent cessation of hostilities to facilitate negotiations for an end to the Middle East war. The 60-day period expires on August 17.

Trump has previously suggested the U.S. might "take" the Strait of Hormuz, citing U.S. military actions since February that he claims have decimated Iran's capabilities. He posted on Truth Social that the U.S. has "total control" and "will keep it," dismissing any Iranian response.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated a strategy of "economic isolation and continued blockade" of the strait, while Secretary of War Pete Hegseth threatened indefinite maintenance of the blockade. Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezai, stated that the strait would remain closed until the U.S. ends its war and naval blockade, unfreezes Iranian assets, and agrees to a ceasefire covering Lebanon and Gaza.

The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas transport and a focal point of tension between Washington and Tehran.