Donald Trump stated that he considers the Strait of Hormuz an American territory during a rally in South Carolina on Friday. The former president was campaigning for Darline Graham, who is seeking to fill her late brother Lindsey Graham’s Senate seat.
Trump’s remarks come as the United States continues a military blockade of Iranian shipping and ports, with the Trump administration working to end its conflict with Iran. He told the crowd, We don’t even know if we won, because I view the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now.
Later in his speech, Trump made a joke about bombing Iran. He said, It’s a Friday night. We have plenty of time. What the hell do I have to do? Go back and bomb Iran a little bit more? He then recited The Snake, a poem he often uses at rallies to emphasize his anti-immigrant policies.
US Central Command (Centcom) reported on social media that American forces had redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade as of Friday. The US and Iran have not reached a peace agreement, with the conflict nearing its six-month mark. The Trump administration aims to exert financial pressure on Iran by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for the country’s oil exports. Approximately one-fifth of the global seaborne oil supply typically transits through this waterway, which is bordered by Iran and Oman.
Last week, Trump threatened to declare the strait a US territory. He previously stated during a speech at a New York police academy, Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to. When questioned by reporters on Monday about this comment, he added, We control it with the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it a territory. He also shared a map image on social media labeling the waterway as a new US territory.
Iran’s deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, dismissed Trump’s comments as delusions.
