Trump Threatens to Annex Strait of Hormuz; Iran Vows Sole Control Over Strategic Waterway

On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump declared his intention to soon declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory, escalating tensions with Iran. In response, Iranian officials firmly stated that only Tehran will decide the fate of the strategic strait, emphasizing they are undeterred by threats or shows of force. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted, "The Strait of Hormuz will open or close only by our order. We are not intimidated."

Earlier, Trump had promised severe economic measures against Iran during an interview with Fox News. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that recent communications with Pakistan and Qatar do not constitute negotiations and that no decision has been made about resuming talks with the U.S.

In a rare interview broadcast on Iranian public television, Brigadier General Reza Nekadi, senior advisor to the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, claimed Iran is winning the conflict due to U.S. failures to topple the regime. He described the U.S. approach as confused and lacking strategy, citing shifting objectives such as seizing Kharg Island and controlling the Strait of Hormuz. Nekadi suggested Iran might prolong the conflict to demonstrate its resilience, even until the end of Trump's term.

Nekadi justified attacks on civilian ships in the strait by alleging they could supply enemies and dismissed U.S. and Israeli attempts to count Iran's missiles, stating Iran produces more missiles daily than it launches. He warned that a day without missiles in Tehran would be more dangerous and hinted at economic vulnerabilities of the U.S. worldwide. On nuclear weapons, Nekadi said the global context has changed since World War II and that no one would allow such a crime.

Regarding Israel, Nekadi expressed a preference for its internal collapse, comparing it to apartheid South Africa. He declined to discuss Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's public absence since an assassination attempt. The White House responded to Nekadi's remarks by urging Iran to accept a deal or face consequences.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President Mike Pence emphasized that the administration's top priority is maintaining low oil and gas prices for Americans, with preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons as a secondary goal. He expressed confidence that the U.S. will emerge stronger with a nuclear-free Iran and a stable Strait of Hormuz ensuring energy price stability.