Trump Threatens to Declare Strait of Hormuz US Territory; Iran Vows to Keep It Iranian

What happened

US President Donald Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded that the Strait is Iranian and will remain so, vowing to maintain a blockade until the US acknowledges defeat. Trump claimed Iran has no leadership and that US forces are shooting down Iranian planes. US VP JD Vance stated goals are energy market stability and preventing a nuclear weapon, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced upcoming economic isolation measures.

Why it matters

The conflict risks handing Tehran a victory, as Iran leverages the Strait for leverage against the US. There are concerns that Iran may rebuild military capabilities and that regional proxies will learn that holding out yields rewards, undermining US deterrence.