Trump again calls the Strait of Hormuz "American territory"

President Donald Trump stated, during a rally in South Carolina, that the Strait of Hormuz should be considered "American territory," in the context of tensions with Iran.

Trump mentioned that he wants to officially declare the strait as U.S. territory after the conflict with Iran is resolved, adding that he is not sure if the U.S. has won the war. In the course of his speech, he joked about attacks on Iran, saying he has "plenty of time" and recited a poem often used to support his anti-immigration policies.

The U.S. continues to exert economic pressure on Iran, including by restricting access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for oil exports.

So far, U.S. forces have redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade. Iran has dismissed Trump's statements, calling them "illusions."