Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz a ‘New US Territory’, Strong Rebuttal from Iran
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump says he has taken charge of the Strait of HORMUZ for the U.S. and is hinting he wants to make it part of America. Trump shared a map of the Middle East on his social media platform, Truth Social, featuring the highlighted area around the Strait of Hormuz labeled as “New US Territory”. Trump didn’t explain anything in more detail in the post.
The move comes as the U.S. and Iran are still at odds over control of the Strait of Hormuz, shipping and ceasefire terms, and other issues. Trump last week said the U.S. has “complete control” of the Strait of Hormuz and was controlling its passage by naval blockades.
Iranian Response and Attitude towards Maritime Traffic Speed
The Iranians countered Trump’s assertion that the strait was part of U.S. territory as “unrealistic,” or detached from reality.
Meanwhile, Tehran has said that the Strait of Hormuz will be reopened only when the US blockades of Iranian ports and oil sanctions are withdrawn and other related conditions are met.