Trump Says Hormuz Is ‘American Territory’ Amid Iran Tensions

US President Donald Trump has claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is now “American territory” and said Iran wants a deal with Washington, as tensions over the strategic waterway continue.

US President Donald Trump has again claimed that he views the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory”, escalating his rhetoric over the strategically vital waterway amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Speaking at a political rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Friday, Trump said the United States had “total control” of the area and suggested that Iran was eager to reach an agreement with Washington. He also reiterated that Iran must not be allowed to acquire a nuclear weapon.

Trump's comments are politically significant, but his assertion does not by itself change the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway lies between Iran to the north and Oman and the UAE to the south, and its maritime areas are governed by the law of the sea and the jurisdiction of the surrounding coastal states.

Trump’s ‘American Territory’ Claim

Trump repeated his position that the Strait of Hormuz should be regarded as US territory.

He said the United States had “total control” of the area in the context of the ongoing blockade and confrontation with Iran. At his South Carolina rally, he also said Washington was uncertain whether it wanted a deal because, in his view, Iran had not yet agreed to what he called the “right deal.”

Trump had already raised the idea of declaring the strategic waterway a US territory earlier in August, making the latest statement a continuation of his position rather than an entirely new claim.

What Is Strait of Hormuz?

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Arabian Sea.

It lies between Iran and Oman, with the UAE also bordering the southern side of the wider maritime area. Because it provides the main sea route connecting Gulf energy producers with international markets, disruption in the strait can have major consequences for global energy supplies.

The United Nations has described the Strait of Hormuz as a strategic passage connecting the Gulf's oil-producing areas with the wider sea.

Is Hormuz US Territory?

No. Trump's statement does not make the Strait of Hormuz US territory.

Iran has legislation defining its territorial sea in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz and the Oman Sea, extending up to 12 nautical miles from its baselines. Oman likewise exercises sovereignty over its territorial sea under its national law and applicable international maritime rules.

The Strait is therefore not legally an American possession simply because the United States claims military control over parts of the area.

There is an important distinction between military control or operational dominance and sovereignty or territorial ownership.

Iran Wants A Deal?

Trump also claimed that Iran wants to reach an agreement with the United States, but said Tehran was not prepared to accept what he considered the appropriate terms.

The comments came amid a broader diplomatic standoff between Washington and Tehran over the war, Iran's nuclear programme and the status of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway has become one of the central issues in efforts to reduce the confrontation.

The United Nations has previously called for the restoration of full freedom of navigation through the Strait and urged Iran and the United States to resume negotiations.

Nuclear Warning To Iran

Trump also repeated his warning that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.

He used the issue to defend US military action against Iran, saying Washington had acted to prevent Tehran from acquiring such a capability.

The nuclear issue remains one of the central points of disagreement between Iran and the United States. Trump's latest remarks indicate that Washington continues to link any potential agreement with broader security demands.

Why Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is important far beyond the Middle East.

A prolonged disruption could affect oil and gas shipments, energy prices, shipping costs and global markets. The strategic importance of the waterway is one reason why any confrontation involving the strait attracts immediate international attention.

The United Nations has warned that renewed full-scale hostilities around the Gulf could have serious consequences for regional populations, international peace and the global economy.

For major energy-importing countries, including India, continued disruption could also increase uncertainty over crude oil supplies and transportation costs.

What Happens Next?

The immediate focus will remain on US-Iran negotiations, maritime security and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump's latest remarks suggest that Washington is maintaining a hard-line negotiating position. Iran's response and its willingness to reopen or facilitate shipping through the waterway will be closely watched.

At the same time, Trump's “American territory” statement should be understood as a political assertion, not as an established change in international maritime sovereignty.

Strait of Hormuz: Key Facts

Donald Trump's latest declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is “American territory” marks a sharp escalation in Washington's rhetoric over the strategic waterway. He also claimed that Iran wants a deal but is not yet prepared to accept what he considers the right terms.

However, military control is not the same as territorial sovereignty. The Strait remains a strategically important international maritime passage bordered by Iran and Oman, with maritime rights governed by applicable international law and national jurisdictions.

The bigger concern now is whether the US-Iran confrontation can be contained through diplomacy or whether continued disputes over Hormuz will further disrupt one of the world's most important energy shipping routes.