Trump calls Hormuz ‘American territory’ as ships go dark
U.S. President Donald Trump has described the Strait of Hormuz as “American territory,” although ship-tracking data show that most vessels whose routes could be identified were using the corridor designated by Iran rather than the route backed by Washington.
Speaking at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Aug. 21, Trump said: “I view the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now. It’s an American territory.”
Trump previously said the United States had “total control” of the waterway and shared a map on social media labeling it “new U.S. territory.”
The strait runs between Iran and Oman and normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.
