Former President Donald Trump characterized the Strait of Hormuz as “an American territory” during a campaign event in South Carolina on Friday, citing the US military blockade of Iranian shipping. Trump stated his uncertainty about the conflict’s outcome, saying “We don’t even know if we won, because I view the strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now.”
The remarks represent an escalation of Trump’s previous statements on the waterway. Last week, Trump indicated he was considering a formal declaration of the strait as US territory, telling reporters “We control it with the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it a territory.” He also posted a map image to social media depicting the waterway labeled as a “new U.S. territory.” During his South Carolina appearance, Trump also made lighthearted references to further military action against Iran.
The Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran and Oman, represents a critical shipping lane through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supply typically passes. According to US Central Command, American forces have redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade as of Friday. The military action continues as the Trump administration pursues a financial pressure campaign against Iran through restrictions on the strategic waterway.
Diplomacy between the US and Iran has stalled as the conflict nears the six-month mark, with the administration seeking to negotiate a peace agreement. Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, responded to Trump’s characterization by dismissing the comments as “delusions.”
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