President Donald Trump (R-FL) announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory [1, 2].
The move threatens to escalate tensions in one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. Because the strait connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, any shift in sovereignty or control could disrupt global energy markets, and international shipping lanes.
Trump said that after the U.S. defeats Iran, he will declare the waterway to be U.S. territory [2]. He said that the U.S. would be known as the "guardian of the Strait of Hormuz" [3] and intends to impose a fair toll on vessels passing through the region [3].
Iran's vice-foreign minister rejected the claim. He said Trump is "blinded" [1]. Tehran said that the strait will remain closed until the Iranian government's demands are met [1, 3].
The dispute centers on the strategic value of the waterway. While Trump views the U.S. as a necessary protector to ensure stability and collect fees, Iran views the move as an infringement on its sovereignty, and regional influence.
The announcement follows a period of heightened volatility in the region. Reports indicate that a merchant ship in the Strait of Hormuz was fired upon on the night of Aug. 4, 2024 [4].
Trump's proposal to act as a guardian suggests a shift toward direct territorial administration of international waters. Iran has said that the waterway is under its sphere of influence and will not reopen it until specific conditions are satisfied [1].
“"I will declare the strait... to be a territory of the United States."”
The proposal to annex or control the Strait of Hormuz represents a significant departure from traditional U.S. maritime policy, which typically focuses on 'freedom of navigation' rather than territorial claims. By proposing a toll system, the U.S. is signaling a move toward a transactional security model in the Middle East. However, because Iran shares a coastline with the strait, any attempt to enforce U.S. sovereignty would likely lead to a direct military confrontation.
