US President Donald Trump has escalated his rhetoric over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, saying the United States could soon declare the waterway a US territory as the conflict with Iran continues to disrupt energy markets.
Speaking in Garden City on Friday, Trump said the move could come after what he described as the defeat of Iran.
“After we finish defeating Iran … pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.
It was not immediately clear whether the remark represented a serious policy proposal or was rhetorical. The Strait of Hormuz, which lies between Iran and Oman, remains one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
Why the Strait of Hormuz matters
Around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments normally pass through the waterway, making any prolonged disruption there a major concern for energy markets.
Oil prices have climbed in recent days as the conflict has raised fears over supplies from the Gulf. Brent crude was approaching $90 a barrel, while US gasoline prices had risen to around $4 per gallon.
The higher fuel costs could create an additional political challenge for Trump, who has repeatedly promised Americans lower energy prices.
Nevertheless, the president urged Americans to tolerate higher gasoline costs, describing them as a necessary price for preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
“What we’re doing is a great service for the world, not only for ourselves,” Trump said, adding that he would not apologise for the US military campaign against Iran.
The issue could become increasingly sensitive ahead of the November midterm elections, with Democrats already highlighting the economic impact of higher fuel prices.
Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Trump defends prolonged USS Abraham Lincoln deployment
Trump also dismissed concerns about the lengthy deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been supporting US military operations connected to the Iran conflict.
Asked whether the aircraft carrier’s more than eight-month deployment was too long, Trump replied that it was “not nearly long enough”.
The carrier left its home port in San Diego in November and was later redirected to the Middle East. It has roughly 5,000 sailors and Marines aboard.
Trump said the Lincoln would soon be replaced by another similar carrier.
However, concerns have been raised by sailors’ families and lawmakers over mental health, living conditions and supplies aboard the vessel. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal said the carrier had gone more than 200 days without a port call, describing it as a modern-day record for consecutive days at sea.
Pentagon rejects reports of deteriorating conditions
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth rejected reports about worsening conditions aboard the Lincoln, calling the allegations “completely misrepresented”.
The debate comes as the US military maintains a significant presence in the region and tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect global energy markets.
For now, Trump’s comments about declaring the waterway US territory have added another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile confrontation, with the economic consequences of the conflict increasingly being felt by consumers through higher fuel prices.
