NEW YORK: President Donald Trump said on Friday, Aug.14, that he would “finish defeating” Iran and soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of U.S. territory, while tensions continue to rise over control of the vital waterway.
Trump made the remarks during a political rally at a police academy in New York state, saying the United States has control over the strategic passage.
Trump has repeatedly claimed that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz, an important route for global energy and commodity shipments. Iran rejects the claim and says the waterway remains under its authority.
“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said, drawing cheers from supporters and police officers at the rally. He later added, “It’s true.”
President Donald Trump said he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory after defeating Iran, though it is unclear if this signals a new policy https://t.co/oaV16dMUFV pic.twitter.com/2TiMxLWye8
— Reuters (@Reuters) August 14, 2026
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded Saturday on X, rejecting Trump’s claim. He said the Strait of Hormuz “has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian,” adding that Iran would decide when the waterway would be opened or closed.
ترامپ گفته بعد از شکست ایران، بزودی تنگه هرمز را قلمرو آمریکا اعلام خواهد کرد!
تنگه هرمز را نه با توییت میتوان تصاحب کرد و نه با ناو هواپیمابر، نه با صدور فرمان و نه با سخنرانی انتخاباتی. ایران نه از تهدید می هراسد و نه با نمایش قدرت مرعوب میشود. (۱)— Gharibabadi (@Gharibabadi) August 14, 2026
The dispute comes amid continuing conflict between the United States and Iran. Trump and Israel launched a war against Iran on Feb. 28, while Tehran responded by establishing effective control over large parts of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump said the United States has imposed a blockade and that ships cannot pass through the area unless Washington allows them to Iran, meanwhile, has restricted much civilian shipping and has sought greater control over vessels using the waterway.
UAE vessel attacked in Strait of Hormuz:
The dispute intensified Saturday after the United Arab Emirates’ state owned oil company, ADNOC, said one of its vessels was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday evening.
The company confirmed the attack through the official reports and said no injuries were reported. ADNOC stressed the need to protect seafarers and maintain freedom of navigation and maritime security.
The continuing attacks have added pressure to efforts to maintain previous ceasefire agreements. Iranian security chief Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has said the waterway could fully reopen if conditions including an end to the war, removal of sanctions and compensation for wartime damage are met.
