Iranian officials reject Trump's plan to declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory

Strait of Hormuz Territorial Claims·Latest event August 16, 2026

Aug 16

Iranian officials reject Trump's plan to declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's suggestion that the United States could seize the waterway. Gharibabadi asserted that the Strait of Hormuz will remain Iranian territory. He characterized the proposal as delusional. The Iranian government rejected any suggestion of U.S. control over the strategic passage. This waterway handles a significant portion of global oil trade. Trump's comments at a campaign rally regarding territorial control of the waterway drew immediate pushback from Tehran. Officials there denied that any negotiations are currently taking place with the United States. Gharibabadi emphasized Iran's continued authority over the strait. He rebuked the idea that the U.S. could unilaterally declare it a territory.

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Aug 15

Iran Rejects Trump Proposal to Declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. Territory

Iranian officials dismissed Trump's rhetoric as delusions following his comments about annexing the strategic waterway. Tehran asserted that control over the passage remains with Iran, rejecting any notion of U.S. territorial claims. This response follows reports of another vessel being struck in the region, heightening tensions in the shipping lane. The Iranian government maintained that it will continue to enforce its blockade of the strait despite the American president's statements. Officials also denied that any negotiations are currently underway with the United States regarding the status of the waterway. Iran characterized the U.S. claims as baseless while reaffirming its own sovereignty over the area.

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