US President Donald Trump has declared that Iran must never be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon, while describing the Strait of Hormuz as "American territory." Speaking at a rally in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, Trump warned that permitting Iran to develop nuclear arms would lead to "very bad things." He insisted that Washington had already stopped Tehran from advancing its nuclear ambitions, adding that Iran would "never have a nuclear weapon."

Trump claimed that Iran was eager to reach an agreement but questioned whether the United States would accept one. He asserted that the Strait of Hormuz was effectively under American control, calling it "an American territory right now." Earlier, before departing for Myrtle Beach from Joint Base Andrews, Trump told reporters that Washington had "total control" over the strategic waterway and supported the idea of formally declaring it US territory. He emphasised that the blockade against Iran had given America control over the entire region linked to the Strait of Hormuz.

He further remarked that Iran wanted a deal but was not prepared to make what he considered the "right deal." Trump said Tehran would "love to make a deal," but in his opinion, they were not ready to meet the necessary conditions. His comments came amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran over the strategic corridor, which carries a significant share of global energy supplies.

Trump also shared an AI-generated image on his Truth Social platform depicting the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW U.S. Territory," reinforcing his claim that the United States had control over the region. Iran swiftly rejected these assertions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said Trump’s remarks would be "corrected" either by circumstances or by Iran itself. He noted that while Trump had correctly referred to the Persian Gulf, his claim over the Strait of Hormuz was a "delusion" that would be addressed.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaei criticised Trump’s comments, stating that the gap between America’s inability to reopen the Strait and its claim to own it was greater than the 7,000-mile distance between Washington and the Strait itself. He declared this situation as part of the "post-American order in the Persian Gulf."

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf added that Tehran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until the United States fulfilled commitments under a 14-point memorandum of understanding. These commitments included lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets, and easing oil sanctions.

Trump recently announced what he described as the "most crushing economic operation ever taken" against Iran. He warned countries providing financial, business, or government support to Tehran of "tremendous economic consequences." His remarks underline Washington’s continued pressure campaign against Iran, combining military control of the Strait of Hormuz with economic sanctions designed to weaken Tehran’s position.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical geopolitical chokepoints. Nearly 20 per cent of global petroleum trade passes through the corridor, and any disruption has immediate consequences for international energy markets.

The ongoing escalation has already prompted expanded naval patrols, rerouting of shipping routes, and renewed calls for diplomatic restraint. Analysts warn that prolonged instability could trigger severe economic shocks and heighten the risk of wider regional conflict.

ANI