Trump threatens to make the Strait of Hormuz a US territory: Can he?

Key Points:

• President Donald Trump announced plans to designate the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory, claiming control due to an ongoing naval blockade, despite the strait being internationally recognized as territorial waters of Iran and Oman.
• Iran strongly rejected Trump’s claim, labeling it “nonsense” and reaffirming that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control, with Tehran maintaining the right to open or close the waterway.
• Legal experts state that Trump lacks constitutional and international authority to annex the strait, noting such actions require treaties and military occupation, which the U.S. does not have in the region.
• The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint for oil transit, and its status remains disputed amid a military and diplomatic deadlock, with Iran demanding U.S. removal of blockades and sanctions before reopening the passage.
• Analysts view Trump’s statement as political rhetoric aimed at domestic audiences rather than a feasible policy move, highlighting the complexity and unlikelihood of the U.S. physically or legally claiming the strait.