UN pushes back after Trump threatens to declare Hormuz US territory

The United Nations has called on all parties to respect international law and the rights and freedoms of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz after U.S. President Donald Trump said he could designate the strategic waterway as U.S. territory.

UN Secretary-General’s spokesman Stéphane Dujarric made the comments to TASS in response to a request for the United Nations to comment on Trump’s remarks.

“We once again call for the full restoration of international rights and freedoms of navigation in and around the Strait of Hormuz. The exercise of these rights and freedoms must be respected by all parties in accordance with international law,” Dujarric said.

Earlier, Trump threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory as Washington seeks to end its war with Iran, while negotiations over reopening the strategically vital waterway remain deadlocked.

Speaking at a police academy on Long Island, New York, on August 14, Trump said he could make such a 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. “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 indication of a breakthrough in peace talks, with Iranian officials continuing to reject Trump’s demands.

In recent months, the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping and ports in an effort to increase economic pressure on Tehran.

By Tamilla Hasanova