Trump threatens to claim Strait of Hormuz as US territory; Iran pushes back

In mid-August 2026, US President Donald Trump said he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, a move that would challenge Iran's control over the strategic waterway. US media later reported that Trump was 'joking' about the declaration, but the threat drew sharp reactions from Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran would not resume talks with the US and that shipping through the strait would depend on conditions, while Iranian officials insisted the strait 'will remain Iranian.'