Trump: I will very soon announce that the Strait of Hormuz is under American control

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he would very soon declare the Strait of Hormuz to be part of US territory, according to Reuters. This marks an escalation in the sharp, reciprocal statements over control of the strait, through which a large share of Middle Eastern oil supplies flows to global markets.

Meanwhile, Fox News reported that Trump said the United States would severely strike Iran economically, at a time when both countries are facing significant difficulties in reaching an agreement to end the war between them that has been ongoing for about six months.

Trump’s comments came a day after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the United States would implement “unprecedented” measures against Tehran in the near future, possibly as early as next week.