U.S. President Donald Trump has said he may declare the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after what he described as the “complete defeat” of Iran, further escalating tensions surrounding the critical energy transit route.

Speaking at a political rally at a police academy in New York State, Trump claimed that the United States had established control over the Strait, which Iran has reportedly restricted amid escalating regional tensions. Iran has rejected Washington’s claims of control over the waterway.

“After we have completely defeated Iran, I will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz to be territory of the United States,” Trump said. However, The Wall Street Journal later reported that a White House official characterized the president’s remark as a joke.

Iran Rejects Trump’s Claim

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected Trump’s statement in a post on X, asserting that the Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran and will remain under Iranian sovereignty. He said decisions regarding the opening or closure of the waterway would be made by Iran.

Rising Tensions Over Strait of Hormuz

The dispute comes amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions and growing concerns over maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. Iran has reportedly restricted the movement of civilian vessels in the area, while the United States has increased military pressure on Tehran.

Trump has also claimed that U.S. forces have effectively enforced a blockade of the waterway and warned that vessels would not be permitted to pass without Washington’s approval, further underscoring the strategic and geopolitical importance of the Strait.