State of Hormuz? Trump jokes about annexing Middle East waterway at heart of Iran war

President Trump says he might declare the Strait of Hormuz a "territory of the United States" and that higher gas prices for Americans are justified to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. President Trump joked about declaring the Strait of Hormuz "a territory of the United States" during a Friday speech in New York, citing the effectiveness of a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. "Pretty soon, I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," Trump said. Trump boasted that "The blockade is unstoppable" and suggested Americans should accept higher gas prices as the cost of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Iran rejected Trump's assertions, maintaining that vessels can only transit the waterway with their permission. The conflict began February 28 when Trump joined Israel in bombing Iranian targets. Control of the Strait of Hormuz has become the central point of contention, with Iranian harassment of shipping disrupting global oil routes and raising fuel costs. The average U.S. gasoline price reached $4.08 per gallon Friday—a 37% increase since the war's start. AAA reported this marks the highest August average on record, noting that while demand is down, crude oil prices remain elevated due to supply disruptions. Trump characterized the price increases as necessary to prevent a hostile nation from acquiring nuclear capabilities.