Trump threatens to declare Strait of Hormuz US territory

US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, as Washington struggles to end its war with Iran and negotiations over reopening the strategic waterway remain deadlocked.

Speaking at a police academy on Long Island, New York, on August 14, Trump said he could make the designation “pretty soon.” 

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said on August 14. “Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”

Trump’s remarks came as negotiations with Tehran remain at an impasse. Iranian authorities have refused to reopen the strait, which has been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched their war against Iran in February.

Nearly six months into the conflict, there has been little sign of a breakthrough in peace talks, with Iranian officials continuing to reject Trump’s demands.

The United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping and ports in recent months, seeking to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

By Sabina Mammadli