Donald Trump has reportedly labeled the Strait of Hormuz as ‘US Territory’ amid escalating tensions and the announcement of fresh sanctions against Iran.
Analysis: This statement falls under the category of absurdity and is fundamentally detached from international reality. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital international waterway located between Oman and Iran. Under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the strait is considered an international strait used for navigation between one part of the high seas or an exclusive economic zone and another. No sovereign nation, including the United States, possesses territorial claims over the strait itself. Asserting that this critical global chokepoint is ‘US Territory’ ignores established maritime law, the sovereignty of the littoral states (Iran and Oman), and the principle of ‘transit passage’ that guarantees free movement for international shipping. Such rhetoric represents a significant escalation in geopolitical posturing, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts and maritime security operations in the Persian Gulf.
Source: Indian Defence News, 23.08.2026.
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