Trump Plans to Declare Strait of Hormuz as US Territory, Igniting Global Concerns

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most sensitive sea lanes, is once again at the center of global politics. This time the reason is not a military confrontation, but a shocking statement by US President Donald Trump. Trump announced during an event in New York on Friday (14 August 2026) that he will soon declare this waterway to be the territory of the United States. This statement comes at a time when there is a military and diplomatic standoff between Iran and the United States. Let's see if any country can really declare an international waterway as its territory, what is its legal meaning? Speaking at the Police Academy in Garden City, New York, President Trump said that after defeating Iran, which is losing very badly, I will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz to be the territory of the United States. He further argued that there is already a US naval blockade, so practically it is a blockade of the territory of the United States as before.