Trump labels Strait of Hormuz ‘US territory’ as Iran says Israel is biggest obstacle to negotiations

August 18, 2026
Elis Gjevori

Tehran says the waterway will remain closed until Washington lifts its blockade and fulfils an interim agreement

On 15 August 2026, Iran rejected the US president’s threat to declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory, saying the crucial energy waterway it has blockaded 'will remain Iranian'. (AFP)