What Trump Said About the Strait of Hormuz
During a rally at a police academy in New York, former President Donald Trump told supporters that he would “finish defeating” Iran and then soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory. He said the remark with a chuckle and added, “It’s true.”
The Claim
Trump argued that the United States already controls the key waterway through which a large share of the world’s oil passes. He suggested that after defeating Iran, he would formally make the strait American territory.
White House Clarification
A White House official later told the Wall Street Journal that Trump was joking. The administration stressed that no official move to claim the strait was underway.
Iran’s Response
Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, fired back on X (formerly Twitter). He wrote that the Strait of Hormuz “has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian,” and that only Iran decides when the strait is open or closed.
Background on the Conflict
Trump said the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, prompting Tehran to seize de facto control of much of the strait. Since then, the two sides have been locked in a stalemate: Iran blocks many civilian ships from passing, while the U.S. Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports to pressure Tehran’s economy.
Trump told the crowd, “We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to,” drawing cheers from supporters and police officers present.
Why the Strait Matters
- Oil Flow: About one‑fifth of global oil shipments travel through the Strait of Hormuz.
- Global Prices: Any disruption can cause spikes in fuel costs worldwide.
- Geopolitical Tension: Control of the waterway is a frequent flashpoint in U.S.–Iran relations.
Conclusion
While Trump’s comments sparked headlines and strong reactions from both the White House and Iran, officials have made clear that the statement was not a serious policy proposal. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical international passage, and any change in its status would require complex diplomatic and legal processes—not a rally‑side joke. For now, the waterway stays under the jurisdiction of the coastal nations, with Iran insisting it will keep control over who can pass through.
