Trump Again Claims Strait Of Hormuz As US Territory, Iran Says It Stays Shut

United States President Donald Trump put up another post on Truth Social containing a map. The map displays the Strait of Hormuz as "US territory". The assertion was originally made by Donald Trump on August 15 and then repeated on August 18. All this amid a very sensitive period for the relations between Washington and Tehran concerning the oil route. While addressing a rally in New York, Donald Trump stated that he intends to make the Strait of Hormuz "US territory" after Iran is defeated. He went on to add that Iran is being defeated now, and this does not go down well with Iran, as it claims it is still in control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump’s Statement on Territories Evokes Tough Response From Tehran

Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said to Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) that the Strait of Hormuz is sealed and that it is going to stay that way until Washington alters its policy. He said that the US moved from issuing threats to imposing economic pressures. He further went on to say that Benjamin Netanyahu had told Donald Trump that a prolonged blockade would ultimately bring Iran to its knees. Trump's claim over the Strait of Hormuz has raised eyebrows, especially given Iran's firm rejection of it. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, also dismissed Trump's remarks.

Iran Claims Ability to Trade Oil in Face of Sanctions

Furthermore, Rezaei asserted that Trump is highly reliant on NATO and other allies, referring to Trump as an isolated figure at the podium. He also asserted that Iran has devised means of trading oil despite the existence of sanctions. Rezaei urged Iranians, especially young people, to support the country's economy, saying every neighbourhood could serve as a base for economic resistance.