According to the South Korean news outlet Hankyoreh, U.S. President Donald Trump reiterated his claim that the Strait of Hormuz is an “American territory” during a speech in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Feb. 21. Trump questioned whether the U.S. even wants to make a deal with Iran, stating that he views the critical waterway as U.S. soil while jokingly suggesting he might return to Washington to bomb Iran.
Strait of Hormuz Claims and Pressure on Iran
President Trump’s recent remarks mark a continuation of his aggressive stance regarding the vital shipping lane. According to the Hankyoreh report, Trump told the crowd in South Carolina on Feb. 21 that Iran is desperate to strike a deal, but questioned the U.S. appetite for an agreement because he personally views the Strait of Hormuz as an American territory. He repeated the phrase, “It’s an American territory,” for emphasis.
This follows a similar statement made on Feb. 14 during a speech in Long Island, New York, where Trump declared that after defeating Iran, the U.S. would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz an American territory and block any vessel from passing without permission. On Feb. 18, he reinforced the rhetoric by posting a map on TruthSocial labeling the Hormuz region a “NEW U.S. Territory,” as reported by the Hankyoreh. The Hankyoreh reported that Trump’s 잇따른 ‘미국 영토’ 주장은 전쟁 종식을 위한 미·이란 협상이 교착된 가운데 호르무즈 해협의 통제권을 둘러싼 협상에서 최대치의 요구를 제시하며 이란을 압박하려는 의도로 풀이된다.
Did you know?
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy bottleneck, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, through which a significant portion of the world’s petroleum passes.
Joking Remarks on Bombing and Campaign Context
During the same Feb. 21 speech, the U.S. president made light of potential military action against Iran. According to the Hankyoreh, Trump remarked to the audience, “Friday night, plenty of time. What the hell else do I have to do? Go back, bomb Iran a little bit more?”
The Hankyoreh reported that Trump’s appearance in South Carolina was primarily held to support the candidacy of a Republican primary runoff candidate running in the Feb. 25 special election. The candidate is the sister of the late U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who was previously a close confidant of the president.
Addressing voters at the event, Trump urged strong turnout for the upcoming midterms in November. According to the Hankyoreh, he warned supporters that if the Republican Party loses, “you will lose everything and I will have to face impeachment,” using the stakes to galvanize his base.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Donald Trump say about the Strait of Hormuz?
According to the Hankyoreh, President Trump stated that he views the Strait of Hormuz as an “American territory” and suggested no ships would pass through without U.S. permission.
When did Trump make these remarks?
The remarks were made during a speech in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, on Feb. 21, following similar comments in New York on Feb. 14 and a social media post on Feb. 18.
Why is Trump making these territorial claims?
According to reporting from the Hankyoreh, the statements are intended to exert maximum pressure on Iran amid stalled diplomatic efforts and negotiations over regional control.
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