Trump claims Strait of Hormuz is 'American territory' as Iran war continues

US President Donald Trump has described the Strait of Hormuz as “an American territory” as Washington continues its military blockade of Iranian shipping and ports.

“We don’t even know if we won, because I view the strait of Hormuz as an American territory right now,” Trump said during a campaign event in South Carolina on Friday.

Trump later joked about further strikes on Iran, saying: “What the hell do I have to do? Go back and bomb Iran a little bit more?”

The comments come as the US-Iran conflict approaches six months without a peace agreement. US Central Command said on social media on Friday that American forces had redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly one-fifth of global seaborne oil supplies typically passing through the waterway.

Trump has repeatedly suggested the US controls the strait. Last week, he said: “Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”

He later posted a map on social media labelling the waterway a “new U.S. territory”.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has dismissed Trump’s previous claims as “delusions”.