President Donald Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz New U.S. Territory as Negotiations with Iran Stall
President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a "new U.S. territory," signaling a shift in strategy as negotiations with Iran remain deadlocked. Following the expiration of a 60-day negotiating ceasefire without a formal agreement, the administration announced a shift from attempting to reach an immediate deal to a strategy of "strangling" Iran over time. While President Donald Trump stated that the waterway is fully open and the naval blockade remains in full force, trade data indicates a significant drop in ship traffic compared to pre-war levels. The administration has disputed these figures, noting that many vessels are performing "dark" transits where they are not easily tracked. The administration also expressed dissatisfaction with a deal Iran is developing with Oman. President Donald Trump threatened to bomb Oman if the nation acts as a less favorable partner to Iran than to the United States. The administration remains committed to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, while preparing to slap new sanctions on the Iran regime to force a favorable settlement.
Sources
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Trump shifts approach to waiting Iran out as Tehran intensifies threats on Gulf, Europe
The Times of Israel
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Trump tries a new approach in Iran war: Disengage
CNN
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Hormuz Strait to remain shut until U.S. meets interim deal conditions, Iran says
Reuters
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Oil prices rise as resolution to Iran war remains unclear following MOU expiration
Fox News
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Trump posts map labeling Strait of Hormuz as US territory
The Hill