- Trump called the Strait of Hormuz “an American territory” on Friday, as the US continues its military blockade of Iran’s shipping and ports while Trump’s administration struggles to end its war with the country.
- As of Friday, American forces have redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade, according to the US Central Command.
- The UN’s International Maritime Organization reported 68 incidents and 19 seafarer fatalities in the Strait of Hormuz as of Friday, since Iran’s blockade began in late February.
- Trump threatened to declare the strait a US territory last week, stating, “Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”
- Trump posted a map on social media labeling the waterway as a “new U.S. territory”.
- Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz began in late February, as tensions escalated between the US and Iran.
- The US military blockade of Iran's shipping and ports continues as the two nations have failed to negotiate a peace deal, approaching the six-month mark of conflict.
In a provocative statement, Donald Trump claimed the Strait of Hormuz is 'American territory' as the US intensifies its military blockade against Iran, redirecting 68 vessels to enforce restrictions. Trump stated, "We control it with the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it a territory," highlighting the US's strategic grip on this crucial waterway.1
The Strait of Hormuz is vital for global oil supply, with roughly one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil passing through. Trump's comments come as the US seeks to financially pressure Iran, which has faced increasing sanctions. The conflict, now nearing six months, has seen failed negotiations for peace, with Iranian officials denouncing Trump's remarks as "delusions".
Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, criticized the US sanctions as a "declaration of war" against all nations, arguing they violate international law and threaten national sovereignty. He warned that such actions could lead to a "catastrophic return to blatant, full-scale colonialism".
The UN's International Maritime Organization reported 68 incidents and 19 fatalities in the Strait since Iran's blockade began in February, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region.36
“The US Central Command says 68 commercial vessels have been redirected to comply with the blockade, while the UN's International Maritime Organization counts 68 incidents and 19 seafarer fatalities in the strait since late February. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson called the new US sanctions a 'declaration of war' against all governments.”
The Guardian
