Trump Vows to Declare Strait of Hormuz 'US Territory' Amid Iran Tensions

US President Donald Trump said on August 28 (New York time) that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, amid continued high tensions with Iran. Speaking to supporters, Trump said that after "defeating Iran," Washington would declare the vital waterway US territory.

"After we defeat Iran, which is being defeated very badly, soon I will declare the Strait of Hormuz to be territory of the United States of America," Trump told supporters in New York on August 28.

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route carrying about 20% of global crude oil. Since February 28, the US and Israel have been at war with Iran following a series of strikes, and Iran has responded by restricting ship movements through the strait.

Before the war, the strait was freely navigable, but control of the route has now become a central issue in ceasefire negotiations between the US and Iran. In June, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding to end military operations, which included a clause requiring Iran to "make every effort" to ensure the safety of commercial ships. However, both sides later accused each other of violating the deal, and fighting resumed in late June.

The US and Iran remain in tense negotiations, which have reduced the intensity of fighting across the Middle East but have not ended the war. Iran continues to target commercial vessels in the strait, asserting that part of it lies within its territorial waters. Meanwhile, the US has set up its own blockade in the area, recently firing on a cargo ship allegedly attempting to reach an Iranian port.

In a speech to law enforcement officials, Trump praised the blockade as "unstoppable" and called it a "steel wall," while insisting the US action was a "great service to the world." He was in New York to support Republican candidates in the 2026 midterm elections, a critical time for his administration as control of Congress is at stake.

The war with Iran remains unpopular with the American public. A Quinnipiac University poll in late July found 60% of US voters opposed military action against Iran. Media reports also suggest the US may face limits in escalating militarily due to strained ammunition stockpiles.

Reacting to Trump's statement, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi wrote on social media: "The Strait of Hormuz cannot be taken by a tweet, an aircraft carrier, a decree, or a campaign speech. Iran is not afraid of threats or intimidated by shows of force."

Both Iran and the US have proposed imposing tolls on commercial ships passing through the strait. Last month, Trump suggested the US could become the "protector" of the Strait of Hormuz and charge a 20% fee on products transiting the route. However, legal experts argue such a toll would violate international law, which protects the freedom of navigation for commercial vessels.

This is not the first time Trump has proposed expanding US territory. In his 2025 inaugural address, he outlined a vision of a "growing" America, while pressuring Canada and Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—to give up their sovereignty.

The same day, Trump told Fox News that the US would use economic pressure to weaken and isolate Iran—a country already under decades of US sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also said the US could announce new economic measures in the coming days to further damage Iran's economy.