White House Clarifies: Trump's Remarks on Declaring the Strait of Hormuz US Territory Were Merely a "Joke"

mniraq - Informed sources at the White House revealed that US President Donald Trump's recent remarks about his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz an American territory were merely a "joke" made during a political rally. Trump had spoken sarcastically about Washington's control over the vital waterway after what he described as inflicting a severe defeat on Iran. In a firm and swift response, the Iranian Foreign Ministry reiterated its absolute sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the decision to open or close the strait rests exclusively with Tehran. These developments and mutual statements unfold amid escalating regional tensions that have directly impacted maritime security and the stability of global energy markets.