Trump's territorial claim and economic threats

US President Donald Trump has vowed to make the Strait of Hormuz a US territory "pretty soon," according to Al Jazeera, which reported his statement on 15 August 2026. Trump also posted a map calling the strait a "NEW U.S. territory," as reported by France 24. The US Treasury chief said the US will use economic measures against Iran that have "never been seen," Al Jazeera reported, framing the approach as a "hard economic blow" to force Iran into ending the war.

France 24 reported that on Wednesday Trump warned of economic consequences against any country that supported Tehran or provided "any type of lifeline to Iran." He did not specify what specific steps Washington would take against such a country and did not list any country by name, according to the outlet.

Iran's response

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded to Trump's threat, saying the Strait of Hormuz will remain Iranian and that blockade enforcement will continue until the US accepts defeat, Al Jazeera reported.

Perspectives

  • US administration: President Trump asserts the Strait of Hormuz will become US territory and warns of unspecified economic consequences for any country aiding Iran.
  • Iranian government: Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insists the waterway will remain Iranian and that blockade enforcement will continue until the US accepts defeat.