Trump Pushes Hormuz Control in Iran Standoff

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly labeled the Strait of Hormuz as a form of U.S. territory, raising tensions with Iran. Iran has maintained that the waterway remains closed and will reopen only if Washington changes its behavior. Trump said U.S. forces have escorted more than 1,000 ships through Hormuz and highlighted economic coercion against Tehran. Iran rejects any military or diplomatic moves implying U.S. control and warns of economic and strategic consequences for its partners. The briefing comes amid ongoing sanctions targeting Tehran’s oil and financial networks, with discussions of possible talks generating mixed signals. Observers note debates over Hormuz's legal status under international law and the potential impact on shipping routes and markets.