Trump's Hormuz gambit: could the U.S. claim the Strait as territory?

Trump said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory after defeating Iran, but legal experts say sovereignty cannot be transferred by unilateral proclamation and UNCLOS norms apply; the strait sits in international waters and is currently affected by a U.S. naval blockade. Iran rejects the claim and emphasizes that the strait remains under Iranian control, while Tehran and Oman discuss management of traffic. Analysts warn the move is largely symbolic signaling rather than a feasible legal action, reflecting ongoing tensions and the broader difficulty of reopening the waterway.