Trump Threatens to Declare Strait of Hormuz U.S. Territory Amid Iranian Defiance

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on August 25 that he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory, escalating tensions with Iran. Trump warned American citizens to prepare for rising fuel prices, framing the move as part of efforts to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. "What we are doing is a great service to the world, not just ourselves," he said.

Iran swiftly responded, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Qaribabadi asserting on social media that the Strait remains under Iranian control and will only open or close under their command. He criticized Trump’s threats as ineffective, stating that the U.S. must accept defeat and abandon its fantasies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also weighed in, confirming no decision has been made to resume talks with the U.S. He emphasized that Washington must meet Iran’s conditions for reopening navigation through the Strait. Tehran is reportedly exchanging messages with Qatar and Pakistan but does not consider these formal negotiations.

Meanwhile, Iran continues to insist on maintaining control over the Strait, including the authority to regulate ship passage. Mohammad Baqer Dowaqdari, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, outlined Iran’s demands in a recent statement: the U.S. must cease threatening Iran, end hostilities, and lift the maritime blockade before the Strait will be reopened. These developments underscore the deepening standoff over this strategic waterway vital for global oil shipments.