Trump Declares Intent to Make Strait of Hormuz US Territory

United states: President Donald Trump announced on Friday his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz as a US territory, Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. Speaking at the Nassau County Police Academy in Garden City, New York, Trump stated his plans would follow the complete defeat of Iran, a country he claims is being "very badly defeated." According to Nam News Network, Trump emphasized that the US blockade of the Strait remains firm, asserting that no ships traverse the waterway without American consent. He claimed that Iran's leadership has been significantly weakened by the ongoing conflict, leading to a lack of negotiating counterparts. Trump added humorously, "It's the only country in the world where nobody wants to be president," highlighting the leadership crisis in Iran. Addressing concerns over rising gas prices linked to the conflict, Trump said, "So for you to pay a tiny little bit more for your petrol, just remember you're doing it so that a very evil country... cannot have a nuclear weapon." Des pite Trump's assertions, Iranian military officials strongly contested US claims of control over the strait, labeling them as "baseless lies and fabrications." As reported by CNN, citing data from Kpler, a commodities and shipping data analytics firm, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly decreased, with only 3,371 vessels crossing in the 166 days since the conflict began-approximately 20% of pre-war levels. The US and Iran had previously agreed to a ceasefire in April, mediated by Pakistan, and signed a deal on June 17 to initiate negotiations for a final settlement. However, talks have stalled due to disagreements over security guarantees and navigation rights through the strategic waterway. The conflict saw renewed military engagements from July 8 to 24, with both nations exchanging strikes. The US targeted sites within Iran, while Tehran retaliated by attacking US military installations in several Arab countries, including Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait.