Iran Rejects Trump's Claim on Strait of Hormuz Ownership

On Saturday, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to US President Donald Trump's assertion that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory, stating, “The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian.” Trump made this claim during a political rally in New York on Friday, suggesting that after defeating Iran, he would make the declaration. An unnamed White House official later clarified that Trump was joking.

The strait has been effectively blockaded by Iran since late February, with ongoing attacks reported, including one on a vessel belonging to the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned oil giant ADNOC. Iran's Revolutionary Guards were accused of engaging in “acts of piracy.” Additionally, Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr outlined conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to hostilities and sanctions against Iran.

The situation has led to increased tensions and risks to regional shipping, with significant implications for global oil prices.