Tehran has pushed back against US President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the Strait of Hormuz could become US territory, as tensions over the strategic waterway continue amid the wider US-Iran conflict.

Tehran Rejects Trump’s Strait of Hormuz Claim

Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz could be declared US territory, with Tehran insisting that the strategic waterway will remain under Iranian control.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the strait had historically been Iranian, remains so and would continue to be controlled by Tehran. He also said decisions concerning the opening or closure of the waterway would remain with Iran.

Trump made the controversial remark at a political rally in New York state, saying he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after the United States defeated Iran.

Hormuz Becomes Major US-Iran Flashpoint

The exchange has added to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes.

The waterway connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its location makes it a crucial transit route for oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from major Gulf producers to international markets.

The confrontation has therefore raised concerns well beyond the Middle East, particularly among countries dependent on energy imports.

Iran Sets Conditions for Reopening Strait

Iran has restricted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz since the wider West Asia conflict began in late February.

Tehran has laid out several conditions for restoring normal shipping through the waterway. Iranian officials have linked reopening the strait to an end to what they describe as military aggression against Iran and its regional allies.

Iran has also demanded the lifting of US sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for damage caused during the conflict.

Oman Involved in Transit Discussions

Iran has separately indicated that it reached an understanding with Oman regarding a route that could allow vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

Discussions have reportedly included arrangements for managing the waterway, although a broader agreement involving the United States and regional countries remains uncertain.

The developments suggest that diplomatic efforts are continuing even as Tehran and Washington maintain sharply different positions over control of the strategic passage.

Vessel Attacks Increase Shipping Risks

Concerns over maritime security have also grown following attacks involving vessels in the region.

UAE state-owned oil company ADNOC reported that one of its vessels came under attack on Friday night. The United Arab Emirates had previously blamed Iran for attacks on two other vessels linked to the company while they were travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.

The incidents have added further pressure to efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran.

Why Strait of Hormuz Matters Globally

The Strait of Hormuz is critical to the global energy market. Before the current conflict, roughly one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports passed through the narrow waterway.

Any prolonged disruption to shipping could affect global energy supplies and push up oil and gas prices. Countries across Asia and Europe are particularly sensitive to disruptions because of their dependence on Gulf energy exports.

Higher energy prices could also create economic and political challenges for governments already dealing with inflationary pressures.

US and Iran Maintain Rival Positions

The dispute over Hormuz is part of a wider economic and military confrontation between Washington and Tehran.

Trump has said the United States has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports and that vessels would require US permission to pass. Washington has sought to increase economic pressure on Iran, while Tehran continues to reject US demands.

For now, the two sides remain far apart. Iran insists on its authority over the waterway, while the United States opposes measures that could give Tehran greater control over international shipping.

With the Strait of Hormuz remaining central to the conflict, any further escalation could have consequences for regional security, global trade and energy prices.