President Donald Trump stated Friday that he may declare the Strait of Hormuz a United States territory following the conclusion of the war with Iran. The announcement arrives as U.S. naval forces continue an active blockade in the region, redirecting over 60 commercial vessels to maintain control over the strategic waterway.
Tehran has rejected the claim, with a deputy foreign minister stating the strait cannot be seized by executive order or speech. A 60-day ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is scheduled to expire this Monday, marking a critical point for the ongoing military and diplomatic standoff. Iranian officials continue to assert sovereignty over the passage while warning that it will remain under their command until U.S. forces withdraw.
Meanwhile, military leaders and former officials remain focused on long-term objectives in the Middle East. Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo stated that military operations must continue to secure a total victory over the Iranian regime. Discussions regarding the use of specialized units to remove uranium from Iran also persist among political figures, though large-scale ground invasions remain unpopular with many observers.
Conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln have also become a point of contention. While some lawmakers raised concerns regarding crew welfare after an extended deployment exceeding 260 days, Pentagon officials dispute reports of deteriorating conditions. The military maintains that resources for mental health and supplies remain sufficient for the sailors and Marines currently enforcing the blockade in the Arabian Sea.