Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz Will Be US Territory Amid Iran Tensions

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the United States Navy can maintain its naval blockade on Iran indefinitely by rotating ships in and out of the region, according to statements reported on August 14, 2026. The announcement follows escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where transit has slowed significantly after recent attacks on commercial vessels.

Strait of Hormuz Blockade and Military Rotations

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the sustainability of the ongoing naval operations on August 14, 2026, telling reporters that military logistics allow for continuous pressure on Tehran. “The United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we’ll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we’ll continue to,” Hegseth said, according to source reporting. The blockade has inflicted severe economic damage on Iran, prompting Washington to continue its economic pressure strategy despite Tehran’s vow to prolong the conflict.

To sustain these operations, the U.S. military is preparing to deploy the aircraft carrier USS George Washington to the Middle East, according to The Wall Street Journal. The new carrier will relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has spent more than 250 days deployed and over 200 days at sea without a port call. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal recently raised concerns with Pentagon leadership regarding living conditions aboard the Lincoln, citing reports of supply shortages, water contamination, and mental health challenges among sailors.

Regional Attacks and Environmental Impacts

Maritime security in the region remains severely disrupted following a series of incidents. Two vessels belonging to the state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the strait, with local media and government officials attributing the strikes to Iran. Meanwhile, risk management firm Ambrey reported that salvors are working to secure the grounded tanker Caroline Bezengi off the coast of Oman. The vessel, which is carrying 800,000 barrels of sanctioned Russian crude oil, ran aground following an unexplained attack in June and has leaked oil near an Omani marine nature reserve.

The conflict has also involved direct exchanges. According to Deutsche Welle (DW), the U.S. military carried out airstrikes directed by President Donald Trump to degrade Iran’s ability to attack commercial shipping. Iranian state media reported explosions in port cities such as Bandar Abbas and on Qeshm Island. In Kuwait, the country’s Defense Ministry reported that an oil company employee was injured in a drone strike targeting border posts and an offshore drilling platform, an assault claimed by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Diplomatic Shifts and Leadership Changes

Political friction accompanies the military escalation. White House deputy national security advisor Andy Baker is expected to step down in the coming weeks, according to Axios. A source close to Baker indicated he chose to leave to spend more time with his family after extending his tenure to ensure a smooth transition during ongoing negotiations with Iran.

At the presidential level, Donald Trump stated on August 14, 2026, that he plans to soon declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory. In addition, Trump recently directed the U.S. Navy to return to using old steam catapults on aircraft carriers, reversing advanced launch technologies in a mandate that officials estimate could cost billions of dollars and increase crew labor requirements.

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