Trump Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockade of Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump described the Strait of Hormuz as “an American territory” during a political appearance on Friday, expanding on recent suggestions that the United States should assume formal control over the strategic international passage.

Addressing a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Trump brought up the status of the waterway while discussing the ongoing military conflict between Washington and Tehran. “We don’t even know if we won,” Trump told the audience, adding that he considers the passage “an American territory right now.” During the same address, he mused about further military action, asking the crowd if he needed to “Go back and bomb Iran a little bit more?” He also recited “The Snake,” a poem he routinely uses at public events to highlight his anti-immigration policy positions.

The Friday gathering was held in support of Darline Graham, who is campaigning to permanently replace her late brother, former U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham.

Trump’s assertions in South Carolina build upon statements he made earlier in the week. During an appearance at a New York police academy, he contended that the U.S. military blockade effectively establishes control over the region because no ships can navigate the corridor without U.S. approval. When questioned by reporters on Monday regarding those initial comments, Trump stated that he favored declaring the area a U.S. territory. He subsequently shared a graphic on social media showing a map that designated the waterway as a “new U.S. territory.”

Iranian leadership dismissed the statements made by the American president. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, labeled Trump’s assertions as “delusions.”

The political rhetoric coincides with an active naval campaign in the region. U.S. Central Command announced on social media that American military personnel have redirected 68 commercial vessels as part of the blockade. The operations are intended to restrict Iran’s commercial maritime access and apply financial pressure on Tehran by limiting its access to key shipping channels.

The conflict between the two nations is nearing the six-month mark, with both sides having failed to arrive at a formal peace agreement. The blockade forms a central element of the U.S. strategy to choke off Iran’s economic resources.

Background

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global shipping corridor situated between Iran and Oman. It serves as the primary route for petroleum leaving the Persian Gulf, with approximately twenty percent of the world’s seaborne oil supply passing through the narrow waterway under standard conditions. Because of its location, the strait is a focal point for international trade and regional security.