Trump Says He Will Declare Strait of Hormuz a U.S. Territory, Defends High Gas Prices

Published: Aug 15, 2026 - 7:27 p.m.

By Toni Mathews

---

NEW YORK, NY — President Trump stood before a crowd at a police academy on Friday afternoon and delivered a series of statements that have sent ripples through the international community: specifically, his intent to claim the Strait of Hormuz as United States territory. It is a move that would represent a significant shift in American foreign policy, as the president asserted that the current blockade effectively grants the U.S. ownership over the critical waterway. He told the audience that no ships would be allowed through the passage unless the U.S. government wants them to. The declaration marks a sharp departure from his previous rhetoric regarding the strait, which serves as a primary artery for the global oil supply. Only two months ago, the president stated that the waterway should remain open to everyone as international waters. Since then, his position has fluctuated from suggesting a 20 percent cargo fee to claiming the U.S. has no need for the strait at all because of domestic and Venezuelan oil reserves. According to the United Nations, the Strait of Hormuz is classified as an international waterway, a designation that traditionally prevents any single nation from imposing tolls or territorial claims. While the president's comments on maritime sovereignty raised eyebrows, his remarks on the domestic economy may carry more weight with voters as the midterm elections approach. Trump addressed the rising cost of fuel, acknowledging that many Americans are struggling with the surge. He told the crowd he will never apologize for the current prices, arguing that the financial burden is a necessary sacrifice to ensure Iran cannot develop a nuclear weapon. He referred to Iran as the top state sponsor of terror and insisted that paying a little bit more at the pump is the right thing to do for national security. The timing of these comments is sensitive. According to AAA, the national average for a gallon of regular gasoline reached $4.08 today. That price reflects a one-cent increase since yesterday and a four-cent jump over the last week. For families in Northeast Ohio and across the country, the long-term trend is even more stark: gas is now 92 cents more expensive per gallon than it was exactly one year ago. Energy analysts note that the current volatility is tied directly to the ongoing conflict and the instability surrounding the strait. While the president maintains that the high prices are a tool to leverage against Iran, some experts point out that the situation has allowed Iran to demonstrate its own influence over the global economy by threatening to disrupt shipping lanes. This creates a complex dynamic for the administration as it tries to maintain public support for its foreign policy objectives while consumers face mounting costs at home. Historical trends suggest that high gas prices often correlate with voter dissatisfaction during election cycles. Whether the electorate accepts the president's justification for the $4 average remains to be seen. According to the latest data from AAA, the current price of $4.08 per gallon is 22 cents higher than it was just 30 days ago. -------------------- At Cleveland 13 News, we strive to provide accurate, up-to-date, and reliable reporting. If you spot an error, omission, or have information that may need updating, please email us at tips@cleveland13news.com. As a community-driven news network, we appreciate the help of our readers in ensuring the integrity of our reporting.