Trump Plans to Claim Strait of Hormuz as US Territory

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday, Aug. 14, that he intends to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory upon the conclusion of the war with Iran, asserting that a US blockade currently controls the waterway. The announcement follows reports of two new attacks on ships in the strait and the collapse of ceasefire extension talks. Iran previously demanded the lifting of the US blockade and financial compensation to reopen the strait. The ongoing conflict has also led to a depletion of US air defense and long-range missile stockpiles, impacting military support for Ukraine and Indo-Pacific allies.