Iran to Trump: Strait of Hormuz Will Never Be U.S. Territory
Tehran strongly rejects Trump's claims over the strategic oil chokepoint, escalating tensions.
1Iran's Strong Rebuttal
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's plans to declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory as 'fanciful delusions' on X platform. He stated, 'You've suffered strategic defeats; the strait has been and will remain Iranian.' This came after Trump's rally speech in New York where he vowed to annex the strait 'after defeating Iran.' The exchange marks a new low in already strained relations between the two nations.
2Diplomacy with Dostoevsky
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei quoted Dostoevsky's 'The Brothers Karamazov' in response to Trump: 'The man who lies to himself loses all respect for truth.' This literary reference signals Iran's psychological warfare tactics. Analysts note the cultural dimension added to the diplomatic row, with Tehran employing unconventional communication strategies against Washington's direct threats.
3Tanker Attack Allegations
The UAE accused Iran of attacking a state-owned oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions. The critical waterway, handling 20% of global oil trade, has witnessed 5 attacks in the last quarter. While the U.S. Navy intensified patrols, Iran's Revolutionary Guards activated coastal missile batteries. Maritime insurance premiums for the region have skyrocketed by 400% since January, disrupting global shipping routes.
4Gas Prices and War Economy
At his New York rally, Trump asked Americans to accept higher gas prices as 'a small price to prevent a nuclear Iran.' AAA reports show gasoline prices surged 29% YoY to $4.08/gallon. Economists warn the conflict has pushed U.S. inflation to 6.2% in Q1 2026. The administration faces growing criticism as average households now spend 9.3% of income on fuel, the highest since 2012.
5USS Lincoln Deployment Crisis
The USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier has been deployed for 200 consecutive days in the Middle East without port call. Sailors' families report deteriorating mental health, supply shortages, and unsanitary conditions aboard. Trump dismissed concerns, stating the deployment 'hasn't lasted nearly long enough.' The USS George Washington is reportedly en route to relieve the Lincoln, though no timeline is confirmed. Navy psychologists report a 47% increase in anxiety cases among deployed personnel.
6New Sanctions Looming
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced forthcoming economic sanctions against Iran. Since January 2026, Iran's oil exports plummeted 78% while inflation hit 210%. Analysts warn new measures could collapse Iran's economy completely. Tehran's stock market lost 65% value in six months, with basic food prices quadrupling. The rial hit record lows at 580,000 per USD in black markets, devastating purchasing power.
7Global Oil Chokepoint
The Strait of Hormuz handles 21 million barrels of daily oil shipments through its 21-mile width between Iran and Oman. Iran fully controls the northern shores. The strategic waterway was central to 1980s Tanker Wars and remains critical for global energy security. Experts warn its closure could spike oil prices by 300% within a week. Alternative pipelines can only compensate for 30% of Hormuz's capacity, leaving Asia particularly vulnerable.
8Looming Energy Crisis
The Hormuz standoff has already rattled global markets, with Brent crude hitting $96/barrel. European gas storage levels at 62% raise winter supply concerns. Energy analysts warn of potential 1973-style crisis if tensions escalate. Asian nations are boosting emergency reserves while U.S. shale production increased by 1.2 million bpd. The IEA estimates global spare capacity has dwindled to just 2.1 million bpd, the lowest since 2008.
Original article: Forbes - Business — İran'dan Trump'a: Hürmüz Boğazı ABD Toprağı Olamaz