US President Donald Trump on Friday said he would "soon" declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States. Addressing a political rally in New York state, the US president exuded confidence that the US would defeat Iran in the ongoing war.
"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," he said.
The Strait of Hormuz, through which the one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passes, has largely remained shut since the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28.
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Cannot seize Strait of Hormuz 'by tweet': Iran
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Cannot seize Strait of Hormuz 'by tweet': Iran
{{/usCountry}}Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi hit back at Trump's remarks, saying the Strait of Hormuz "cannot be seized by tweet" or military force.
"The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power," he said.
Firmly rejecting Trump's assertions, Gharibabadi said the Strait of Hormuz "has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian".
Trump claims total control of Hormuz
Earlier, Trump claimed that the United States had "total control" over the strait and they "will keep it" as negotiations with Iran regarding reopening the strategic waterway remained stalled.
Trump asserted, "The USA has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, 'A WALL OF STEEL,' and there is nothing Iran can do about it."
Tussle over Strait of Hormuz
Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz after the US and Iran launched an unprecedented attack on the country in February, calling for an end to their alleged nuclear programme. While Tehran briefly allowed ships of some countries, including India, it has largely maintained a strict control over Hormuz, frequently issuing warnings that any ship crossing the strategic waterway would be attacked.
The United States has since been in a tussle to regain control of the waterway, imposing its own blockade of Iranian ports in a bid to dismantle the West Asian nation's economy.
The blockade and military standoffs have led to a surge in international crude prices and triggered fears of a broader conflict. Currently, commercial shipping is allowed under strict security amid a highly volatile environment.