Trump threatens to declare Strait of Hormuz 'US territory,' criticizes USS Lincoln deployment

Former President Donald Trump announced plans on Friday, August 14, 2026, to declare the Strait of Hormuz a United States territory once Iran is "defeated". Speaking at an event in New York, President Trump asserted that the move would follow a successful conclusion to the ongoing conflict with Iran, which began on February 28, 2026. He emphasized the US's commitment to securing the vital waterway, which is critical for global oil shipments.

This declaration has significantly escalated tensions, drawing immediate condemnation from Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated that the Strait of Hormuz "has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian," and cannot be claimed by "a tweet" or an "election speech". He reiterated Iran's stance that passage through the strait would only occur under Iranian command, and that the existing blockade would continue until the US accepts its "strategic defeat".

The proposal comes amid a period of heightened volatility, with the Strait of Hormuz having experienced repeated disruptions and a US naval blockade in effect since April 2026. While President Trump suggested the declaration would occur "pretty soon," the timing and legal basis for such a claim remain unclear, and international law experts suggest it would face significant challenges given the waterway's international status and its shared border with Oman.