Kathmandu— United States President Donald Trump announced plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz a “territory” of his country on Friday, escalating tensions with Iran as the two nations remain engaged in an ongoing war. Speaking to supporters in New York, Trump stated that the US would claim control of the strategically vital waterway – crucial for global oil, natural gas and fertilizer supplies – following what he characterized as a defeat of Iranian forces. The announcement comes after months of fighting, failed ceasefire attempts, and competing claims over control of the strait, which formerly facilitated approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.

Escalating Conflict And Stalled Negotiations

Since February 28th, the US and Israel have been engaged in military conflict with Iran, marked by aggressive strikes. In response, Iran restricted traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key point of contention in ongoing ceasefire negotiations. A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed in June aimed to de-escalate military operations, requiring Iran to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels, but both sides accused each other of violations and fighting resumed by month’s end. The conflict has settled into a pattern of uneasy negotiation with no decisive resolution.

Competing Claims Of Control

Iran maintains that part of the Strait of Hormuz falls within its territorial waters, asserting control over that section and continuing to target commercial vessels passing through it. Simultaneously, the US has established its own blockade of the strait, even firing upon a cargo vessel this week accused of attempting to reach Iranian ports. Trump touted the blockade as “unstoppable,” framing it as a service to countries reliant on traffic through the waterway.

Economic Warfare And Potential Tolls

Trump’s announcement was accompanied by pledges to further weaken Iran economically, building upon decades of existing US sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that new economic measures may be unveiled soon. Both the US and Iran have previously suggested imposing tolls on commercial traffic through the strait, with Trump proposing a 20 percent fee for any products passing through, though legal experts assert such tolls would violate international law.

Pattern Of Territorial Ambitions

This is not the first instance of Trump suggesting expanding US territory. In his second inaugural address in 2025, he outlined a vision of a “growing nation” and has since pressured Canada and Greenland to cede sovereignty. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, responded to Trump's latest remarks on social media, stating that the Strait of Hormuz “cannot be taken over by a tweet.”

Domestic Opposition To Military Action

Despite Trump’s declarations of victory, the war remains unpopular within the United States. A Quinnipiac University poll from late July revealed that 60 percent of US voters oppose military action against Iran. Reports also suggest potential limitations on further military escalation due to dwindling munitions stockpiles.

Tensions between the US and Iran remain high following Trump’s announcement, with no immediate indication of a resolution to the ongoing conflict or a resumption of meaningful negotiations.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.