In response to US President Trump's statement that "the Hormuz Strait will be declared as US territory," on August 14 local time, Kazem Garibabadi, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran responsible for legal and international affairs, posted a message on social media stating that the Hormuz Strait cannot be seized by a tweet, an aircraft carrier, an order, or a campaign speech. "Iran is not afraid of threats, nor will it be intimidated by displays of force."
He said, “Accept the reality completely. You have suffered a severe strategic defeat. The Strait of Hormuz belongs to Iran, both in the past and in the future. The opening and closing of the strait can only be controlled by Iran. As long as you refuse to accept the reality of defeat and refuse to give up your illusions, Iran will continue to implement blockades.”
Earlier that day, Trump said that Iran was suffering a devastating defeat. “Soon after we completely defeat Iran, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory. That’s basically it. We have already implemented a blockade. No ships can pass unless we allow them to.”
