Seoul: U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory "pretty soon," asserting control over the strategic waterway through a naval blockade. This statement was made during his visit to a police academy in Garden City, New York, amidst ongoing disruptions to shipping in the strait, a vital route for oil and natural gas, which have kept energy prices elevated.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the President's remarks come as tensions persist in the Middle East, impacting global energy markets. Trump stated that following the defeat of Iran, he plans to formalize U.S. claims over the strait. "After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated ... pretty soon, I will be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," said Trump. He emphasized the effectiveness of the U.S. naval blockade, asserting, "We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to."

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply is transported. The President's statement highlights the geopolitical ramifications of U.S. actions in the region, as well as the potential impacts on international shipping and energy markets.