Trump calls Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory, underscores hard line on Iran

2026-08-15

Hard line before supporters

U.S. President Donald Trump said on the 14th that he plans to soon declare the Strait of Hormuz, which remains under blockade, to be U.S. territory. As he has been unable to bring the clash with Iran under control, his remarks suggested an effort to deflect domestic criticism.

Speaking to supporters in New York state in the East, he cited the blockade on ships entering and leaving Iranian ports and said it was 'in effect already part of the United States.' He again repeated his view that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz.

Remarks accepting higher crude prices

He urged people to understand that even if gasoline costs rise somewhat, it is to keep the world's top state sponsor of terrorism from obtaining nuclear weapons. He said persistently high crude prices are for Iran's denuclearization and justified them by saying, 'I will never apologize.'

On strikes against Iran, he said the military was used 'a little more than originally planned,' adding, 'That is fine. We cannot let Iran have nuclear weapons.' The U.S. military has been said to be wearing down its advanced missiles as fighting with Iran drags on.

Iran pushes back

In response, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi posted on X, formerly Twitter, on the 14th after Trump's 'U.S. territory' remark, saying, 'Iran will not yield to threats and displays of force.' He also wrote in posts on social media and in speeches that the Strait of Hormuz 'cannot be taken away.'

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