President Donald Trump made an unexpected announcement at a New York police academy rally, declaring his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory following the completion of a military operation against Iran.
The president told an enthusiastic crowd that after finishing what he described as “the worst defeat” of Iran, he would seize control of the vital waterway.
“The fate of the Strait of Hormuz remains in limbo,” Trump noted, adding that the U.S. and Israel have been conducting a joint military operation against Iran’s nuclear capabilities for 167 days.
“We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to,” Trump stated with confidence during his remarks at the Nassau County Police Academy Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City, where he received thunderous applause after his announcement.
Trump also highlighted recent successes, saying, “We’re bringing the prices way down; look at what’s happening! Coming way down.” He added that Venezuela had been a “one-day war” that now resulted in strong U.S. relations.
The Strait of Hormuz, traditionally treated as an open waterway despite being split between Iran and Oman at its narrowest point, has become a contentious issue for both the United States and Iran.
Iran demands that the strait be allowed to charge tolls on tankers and other vessels passing through the key trade route, while the U.S. administration insists on eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
If the Trump administration agrees to toll collection by Iran, it could result in tens or hundreds of billions of dollars flowing into the Iranian regime.
The president’s remarks follow his recent insistence that any nuclear capabilities for Iran must be ruled out.
