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President Donald Trump Declares Intent to Annex the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. Territory

President Donald Trump stated on Friday that the United States will soon designate the Strait of Hormuz as a territory of the United States, following the ongoing military conflict with Iran. The waterway, a critical global chokepoint for oil and gas, has been under a U.S. naval blockade since the war began in February. While the administration announced the intent to annex the territory, Iran has responded with defiance, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi claiming the strait remains Iranian and can only be opened under Tehran's command. Analysts suggest that while the move is a bold rhetorical gesture, it may face international legal hurdles, as sovereignty is rarely seized by unilateral proclamation. However, the administration maintains a firm stance, with Vice President JD Vance noting that controlling oil prices remains a top priority. Despite the ongoing blockade, global markets are beginning to adapt by diversifying energy sources and expanding non-OPEC production to reduce Iran's geographic leverage. President Trump emphasized that Americans should accept slightly higher fuel prices as a necessary cost for punishing a 'very evil' country and preventing it from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

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