Trump vows to declare Strait of Hormuz US territory once Iran is defeated
US President Donald Trump said at a political rally that once Iran's defeat is complete, he will declare the Strait of Hormuz to be United States territory. The conflict, launched by the US and Israel against Iran in February, has led to tightened control over the strategic waterway.
US President Donald Trump told a political rally at a New York State police academy that he intends to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory once the war against Iran concludes. He said this step would come soon after the fighting ends.
Course of the conflict
The United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28. Iran responded with strikes on several locations across the region. One major consequence of the war has been Iran effectively seizing control of most of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that had previously been open to international shipping.
Blockade of the strait
Iran is currently preventing a large share of civilian vessels from passing through the strait, while the US Navy is blockading Iranian ports in an effort to cripple the country's economy. Trump said the existing blockade means no ship can pass through unless the US allows it.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important waterways, traditionally used to transport a large share of oil exports from the Persian Gulf region. Any change in control over it, or its closure, could significantly affect global energy supply routes and international shipping.
