Trump Eyes Control Over Vital Waterway Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
US President Trump has stated that he will declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory after defeating Iran, according to reports. This comes as the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to apply 'unprecedented' measures against Iran starting next week.
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and remains sovereign territory of Iran and Oman under international law. The Trump administration has reimposed a blockade on Iranian ports in the area, with no clear plan for winding down the war.
In recent weeks, hostilities between the US and Iran have subsided, but tensions remain high. On August 13, the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of attacking two Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) tankers transiting the strait with drones.