Donald Trump Reiterates Claims On Hormuz, Says Waterway Belongs to US, Its Navy

US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that the Strait of Hormuz is under US control, saying the strategic waterway “belongs to the United States of America” and its Navy. Trump also warned that Iranian vessels attempting to breach the US naval blockade could be sunk, further escalating his rhetoric over the key maritime route.

The comments came as Washington continues its military and economic pressure on Tehran amid the ongoing US-Iran conflict. Trump has repeatedly asserted that the US Navy controls maritime traffic through the Strait and has described the American naval presence as a blockade. Iran Offers To Reopen Strait of Hormuz Within 7 Days if US Eases Military Pressure and Lifts Port Blockade.

Trump Says Strait of Hormuz ‘Belongs’ to US

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the Strait of Hormuz “belongs to the United States of America” while discussing the US naval blockade and the movement of oil through the waterway.

Trump also described how Iranian vessels attempting to circumvent the blockade could be dealt with, saying ships carrying oil could be targeted and that vessels without oil could be sunk.

The remarks mark another strong statement from Trump over the strategic waterway, after he previously claimed that the US had “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Warns Iranian Ships Against Breaching Blockade

Trump said the US would continue enforcing restrictions on Iranian shipping through the Strait. His comments come as Washington maintains a significant naval presence in the region and seeks to restrict Iran's ability to move oil through the key maritime corridor. The Strait of Hormuz is Spilling Oil into the Persian Gulf.

The US president has previously said that only vessels permitted by American forces would be allowed to pass through the waterway. The White House has also described US naval control of the Strait as part of its broader pressure campaign against Iran.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Flashpoint in US-Iran War

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Disruptions in the waterway can have significant consequences for global oil supplies and prices.

The conflict has already affected energy flows through the Strait. Reuters reported that the waterway normally handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments, making continued disruption a major concern for international energy markets.

Recent reporting has indicated that oil flows have recovered from earlier levels, although shipping through the Strait remains dependent on US military operations and continues to face security risks.

Iran Has Rejected US Claims of Control

Iran has previously rejected Trump's assertions that Washington has full control over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has maintained that US statements do not alter the status of the waterway and has linked any reopening of the route to its own conditions.

Trump's latest comments therefore add to an already tense dispute over who controls maritime movement through the strategically important passage.

US Military Presence in Region

The United States has expanded its military presence around Iran during the conflict. Recent reports indicate that additional US naval forces, including aircraft carriers and amphibious groups, are being deployed in the region, potentially adding thousands of personnel.

Trump's latest remarks come amid continuing uncertainty over the future of the US-Iran conflict and negotiations surrounding the Strait. He has previously indicated that the conflict could end through negotiations or further military action if an agreement is not reached.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 07, 2026 07:46 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).