Iran slams Trump comment about making Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory

Iran on Saturday rebuked President Trump’s remark that the Strait of Hormuz would become a U.S. territory after Tehran’s defeat in the war.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi posted on X that it will take more than rhetoric for the U.S. to assume control over the vital maritime checkpoint.

“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by Tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech,” Mr. Gharibabadi posted. “Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power.”

Mr. Trump made the claim Friday while addressing a crowd at the Nassau County Police Academy in Garden City, New York.

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” the president said.

Mr. Gharibabadi said the White House should “accept the reality” that the U.S. has sustained “strategic and heavy defeats” in its attempts to control maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

“This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command,” he posted on X. “As long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and cease your fanciful delusions, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade.”

Wall Street Journal reporter Brian Schwartz said a senior White House official later told him that the president was joking and has not met with any administration officials about declaring the strait a U.S. territory.

“My observation while I watched the speech in person — he did chuckle after he said it, but then he seemed to say, ‘It’s true,’” Mr. Schwartz posted on X.