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Iran has rejected US President Donald Trump’s reported plan to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, warning that the strategic waterway cannot be seized through threats, military force or political declarations.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Tehran alone has the authority to decide whether the Strait of Hormuz is closed or reopened.
Responding to Trump’s remarks on X, Gharibabadi said the waterway could not be taken over “by tweeting, sending aircraft carriers, issuing orders or making campaign speeches.” He added that Iran was not intimidated by threats or displays of force.
In another post, the Iranian deputy foreign minister said, “Hormuz was Iran’s, is Iran’s and will remain Iran’s,” while warning that the blockade of the waterway would continue until Washington accepted what he described as a “strategic and major defeat.”
Trump reportedly made the remarks at a campaign rally in Garden City, New York, saying he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory following Iran’s defeat, according to Mehr News Agency.
The exchange comes amid months of escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. The conflict began in February with US and Israeli strikes on Iranian military and infrastructure targets.
A subsequent understanding on a ceasefire between the two sides, brokered by Pakistan and Qatar, eventually collapsed, with attacks and counterattacks continuing.
The dispute has further heightened concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for energy shipments.
