US President Trump claimed on the 14th that "after defeating Iran," he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory.
He stated during a speech at an event on Long Island, New York, that Iran is suffering a crushing defeat, "After we completely defeat Iran, I will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory."
Trump gave a slight chuckle when saying this, and added, "This is true."
He noted that compared with preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, high oil prices are only a minor issue, and stated, "Never apologize. I did the right thing."
According to The Wall Street Journal, an unnamed White House official later clarified that Trump was joking at the time.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi responded on the social media platform X on the 15th, stressing that "The Strait of Hormuz was, is, and always will be Iran's."
He said: "The closing and opening of this strait can only be ordered by Iran."