Iran has vehemently rejected Donald Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz could become U.S. territory, as a ship was reportedly struck in the crucial waterway, underscoring escalating tensions.
Iranian officials deny any ongoing negotiations with the U.S., while American leaders confirm an indefinite naval blockade and vow unprecedented economic sanctions, even as U.S. gasoline prices remain elevated and concerns mount over conditions aboard a deployed aircraft carrier.
In a sharp escalation of geopolitical tensions, Iran has vehemently rejected former U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that the vital Strait of Hormuz could soon fall under American control. This fiery rebuttal comes as reports surface of another vessel being struck in the critical waterway, further intensifying an already volatile standoff.
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi declared late Friday, "The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian; this strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command." He added pointedly that the strait "cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech," directly countering Trump's earlier claims.
Trump had previously stated that after a U.S. victory over Iran, he would "be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States," echoing his 'to the victor belong the spoils' philosophy. While he had mused about imposing tolls, that idea was reportedly dropped. The strait, a previously un-tolled international waterway, became a flashpoint following the U.S. and Israel's strikes against Iran on February 28, initiating the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts appear stalled. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that no negotiations are currently underway between Tehran and Washington, despite reports of Qatar and Pakistan acting as intermediaries. "No negotiations have been held between us and the United States at this time," Araghchi told Shahrara News early Saturday, clarifying that while messages are being exchanged, it "does not mean negotiations."
Adding to the maritime tensions, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a report of a bulk carrier being struck by an unidentified projectile, causing damage to its hull. This incident follows a series of attacks on shipping in the strait since an interim ceasefire collapsed in June, with the U.S. concurrently enforcing a blockade on Iranian ports.
A 'Tiny Little Bit More' for Gas
The prolonged military and diplomatic stalemate has had a tangible impact on global energy markets, keeping prices elevated. Trump addressed this directly, asking Americans to endure slightly higher fuel costs as a necessary measure to curb Iran's influence. "So for you to pay a tiny little bit more for your gasoline, just remember you're doing it so that a very evil country cannot have, a country that really is the number one state sponsor of terror in the world," Trump stated in a speech. He emphasized the objective: "We don't want to have them have a nuclear weapon. So remember that, when you have to pay a little bit more, you're at four dollars."
Indeed, the national average price for a gallon of gasoline stood at $4.07 on Saturday, a significant increase from $3.15 a year prior, according to the American Automobile Association.
The U.S. continues to tighten its economic grip on Iran through a robust sanctions regime. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent warned of unprecedented economic measures and a sustained blockade of Iranian ports. "It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out of the Iranian ports," Bessent asserted in a Newsmax interview, without detailing specifics.
Indefinite Naval Blockade
Bessent's comments were echoed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reportedly affirmed on Thursday that the U.S. military is capable of maintaining a naval blockade of Iran "indefinitely" by rotating ships. This statement comes amidst reports that the USS George Washington aircraft carrier is en route to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed in the Middle East for over 250 days, far exceeding its expected deployment end in May.
The George Washington strike group reportedly departed Vietnam on August 12. However, concerns have been raised about the conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. Reports citing military families describe issues ranging from moldy showers and broken toilets to a lack of hot water, fresh produce, and general supply shortages, coupled with an "overwhelming workload" leading to "extreme fatigue and burnout," and even alleged attempts by sailors to jump overboard.
Defense Secretary Hegseth dismissed these reports as "completely misrepresented." Following his remarks, Rep. Mike Levin, D-Calif., publicly expressed serious concerns in a letter to Hegseth and acting Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao. Separately, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) refuted claims by Iranian media of a "deadly brawl" aboard the Lincoln resulting in seven fatalities, stating such reports were false and no service members had died.
