President Donald Trump made a surprise announcement at a New York police academy, stating he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States after completing military operations against Iran.
The president told an enthusiastic group of supporters that once his administration finishes the campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and leadership, it will seize control of the strategically vital waterway.
“The fate of the Strait of Hormuz is still in limbo 167 days after the U.S. and Israel began a joint military operation to strike at Iran’s nuclear capabilities and leadership,” Trump said during remarks at the Nassau County Police Academy Center for Training and Intelligence. “We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to,” he added, receiving thunderous applause from attendees.
Trump promised that after defeating Iran—described as “being very badly defeated”—he would declare the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States. He also noted: “We’re bringing the prices way down; look at what’s happening! Coming way down.” The president referenced Venezuela, stating it was “a one-day war” and that the United States now works “great with them.”
The Strait of Hormuz, traditionally treated as an open waterway despite being split between Iran and Oman at its narrowest point, has become a contentious issue between Tehran and Washington. Iran has demanded the right to charge tolls on tankers passing through the strait, while U.S. officials have insisted that any Iranian nuclear capabilities must be eliminated.
If the administration agrees to such a toll system, it could result in tens or hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into Iran’s economy.
