Iran has denounced statements by President Donald Trump about possibly declaring the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. Trump made the comments during an event on Long Island, New York. He suggested that after the U.S. defeats Iran, the strait would come under U.S. authority. Trump claimed that the U.S. effectively controls the international waterway through its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian officials quickly reacted. Kazem Gharibabadi, Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, insisted Tehran would not be intimidated. He declared that control over the strait remains under Iranian jurisdiction.

“Trump has said that after Iran’s defeat, he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory!” Gharibabadi wrote in a post on X. “The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power.”

He further emphasized Iran’s stance by stating, “You have suffered strategic and heavy defeats; the Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian. The strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command.”

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to global markets. It handles about one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil and natural gas shipments. Disputes over its control have major implications for international energy supplies. The ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict started in late February, with Tehran asserting territorial rights over parts of the channel. Meanwhile, Washington aims to ensure uninterrupted commercial passage. This standoff has contributed to rising fuel prices and disruptions in shipping lanes.

Trump’s comments reflect a trend of statements about increased U.S. influence in strategic locations. Newsweek pointed out that Trump has previously discussed scenarios involving other locales, including Greenland and Canada.

Strait of Hormuz Passage

The increased tension coincides with Iran and Oman’s efforts to create a framework for future shipping through the strait. Iranian officials have suggested charging fees for navigation and maritime services.

According to the Financial Times, JPMorgan analysts indicated Iran and Oman might set a legal basis for fees, if structured as compensation for safety and services rather than as direct tolls. The Danish Straits and Turkey’s Bosporus provide precedents, where authorities charge fees for services while allowing transit.

While international maritime law typically forbids fees for passage through an international strait, it does allow charges related to services like pilotage and emergency response. Thus, by partnering with Oman and classifying costs as service fees, Tehran could establish a mechanism aligned with maritime principles. Iranian officials confirm ongoing discussions but stress the full reopening of the strait depends on broader talks with Washington.

Iran War Latest

Six months into the conflict, the situation between the U.S., Israel, and Iran remains unresolved. Despite signing a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at reducing hostilities, accusations of violations persist from both sides. Fighting continues at a lower intensity, with negotiations over sanctions, shipping rights, and security stalled.

A major hurdle is the management of the strait. Iran has declared it will not fully reopen the waterway until the U.S. changes its stance and lifts pressure measures. Conversely, the U.S. insists on restoring freedom of navigation. American consumers feel the impact at the pump, with Trump acknowledging the rise in gasoline prices. He urged Americans to view the higher costs as a step to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

For further details, contact Newsweek editors Steve Mollman and Anthony Murray.