Trump vows to declare Strait of Hormuz US territory
Analysis based on 52 articles · First reported Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 15, 2026
The announcement heightens geopolitical risk in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, potentially driving oil prices higher and increasing volatility in energy markets. Higher gasoline prices in the U.S. could weigh on consumer sentiment and become a political liability for the administration ahead of midterm elections.
On August 14, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump announced in a speech in Garden City, New York, that after defeating Iran in the ongoing war, he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. He asserted that the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports gives the U.S. effective control over the strait, claiming 'no ships get through unless we want them to.' Trump also urged Americans to accept higher gasoline prices as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, stating he would never apologize for attacking Iran. Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, rejected the claim, asserting Iran's complete control over the strait. The remarks escalate tensions over the vital waterway through which about 20% of global oil and LNG shipments pass. The U.S. and Iran had previously agreed to a Pakistan-brokered ceasefire in April and a June 17 deal, but talks stalled, and hostilities intensified in July. The ongoing conflict has disrupted shipping, with vessel traffic at roughly 20% of pre-war levels, and has contributed to rising oil and gasoline prices.
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