Trump claims Strait of Hormuz as American territory

On August 22, 2026, President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz an American territory during a rally in South Carolina. His comments were met with strong opposition from Iranian officials, who insisted that the strait remains under Iranian sovereignty. This declaration comes amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran, as Trump threatens economic warfare against Iran, while Saudi Arabia seeks to bolster its regional influence through new defense alliances.