Trump Claims He Will Annex the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Territory
"After completely defeating Iran, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz to be American territory" — Trump's latest hardline statement
U.S. President Donald Trump said during a speech in New York that he plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory following what he described as a "complete defeat" of Iran. The Republican president stated that Iran is currently suffering severe setbacks, and Washington expects the conflict to end fully in the near term.
Trump said: "When we finally defeat Iran — and they are being heavily damaged, which will happen soon — I will declare the Strait of Hormuz to be U.S. territory."
The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman and is one of the world's most critical energy trade routes, with a significant portion of global maritime oil and natural gas shipments passing through it.
Previously, Trump had privately indicated he would not rule out ending hostilities with Iran without reaching a new nuclear agreement. For the U.S. president, the full restoration of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz might suffice as grounds for declaring "victory." The White House stated that Washington has already achieved its set military objectives; however, if Tehran continues attacking vessels, Trump is prepared to resort to force once again.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1873551239530631/
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