Former US President Donald Trump has reportedly asserted that the Strait of Hormuz should be considered new US territory. This declaration comes as Iran continues to maintain control over the crucial waterway, a vital passage for global oil supplies. The statement escalates existing tensions between the two nations, already fraught with disagreements over nuclear policy and regional influence. Iran has consistently maintained its sovereign right to control the Strait, and any US claim to it would be viewed as a significant provocation. The move appears largely symbolic, but underscores Trump’s hawkish stance towards Iran during his presidency. Experts suggest this rhetoric could further complicate diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation in the Persian Gulf, and potentially disrupt international shipping. The claim has not been elaborated on with specific plans for enforcement or further action.