President Donald Trump announced Friday that he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a United States territory in the near future, citing ongoing military operations in the strategically vital waterway. Trump made the statement during a speech in New York, claiming the U.S. naval blockade already gives America effective control of the passage. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global shipping route, with approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies transiting through the waters annually.
Iranian officials have rejected Trump’s assertion, with the country’s deputy foreign minister stating that territorial claims cannot be established through presidential declarations or military force. Tehran maintains that the Strait belongs exclusively to Iran and that any reopening of the waterway depends on the United States fulfilling commitments outlined in a June agreement. The diplomatic tension comes as that agreement is set to expire, with both nations locked in an ongoing military standoff.
Legal experts suggest Trump’s proposal lacks practical foundation under international law, as territorial sovereignty cannot change through unilateral proclamation alone. The Strait of Hormuz is recognized as the territorial waters of Iran and Oman under established maritime conventions. Despite Trump’s rhetoric suggesting U.S. control through its naval presence, Iran continues to maintain its position as the waterway’s rightful authority and has conducted negotiations with Oman regarding maritime traffic management.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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