Trump was joking about declaring Strait of Hormuz US territory, White House says
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- A senior White House official stated that President Donald Trump was joking when he suggested declaring the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory.
- The official confirmed that Trump had not discussed such a move with his advisers.
- Trump made the remark during a speech in New York, adding "It's true" after chuckling, while reiterating Iran's inability to obtain nuclear weapons.
A senior White House official clarified on Friday that President Donald Trump was joking when he stated the United States might declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. The official emphasized that Trump had not consulted his advisers on such a potential action.
According to Brian Schwartz, a reporter for the Wall Street Journal who attended the speech, Trump appeared to chuckle after making the provocative statement. He then added, "It's true," leaving the intent ambiguous to some observers at the time.
Trump had not discussed such a move with his advisers and was joking during his speech in New York.
The remark about the strategically vital waterway came as Trump reiterated his administration's stance that Iran would not be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. The comment about the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transport, initially raised questions about a potential shift in U.S. foreign policy.
It’s true.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Arab Times. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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