United States President Donald Trump suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz after himself, asserting that the waterway is under U.S. control despite ongoing Iranian attacks on ships in the area. Trump's suggestion on Wednesday followed U.S. airstrikes in Iran that reportedly killed at least four people, including two children at a wedding in the southern city of Sirik. In a social media post, Trump wrote, "Now that we have it under USA control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT???" He added, "Like America itself, it would be ‘hotter’ than ever before!"
Iran responded to the U.S. airstrikes with missile launches targeting U.S. bases in the region, contributing to a 4 percent increase in oil prices. U.S. officials have claimed that the Strait of Hormuz is open and that millions of barrels of oil are transiting daily, yet oil prices have not decreased in recent weeks. Iran maintains that the waterway is closed and under its control.
On Wednesday, Saudi Arabia accused Iran of attacking an oil tanker, resulting in two fatalities. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported daily attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. In the U.S., petrol prices have risen to $4.12 per gallon, up from less than $3 before the conflict began on February 28.
The conflict, which began when Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered strikes against Iran, has now entered its seventh month, contrary to Trump's initial promise that it would last only six weeks. Despite the ongoing conflict, Trump has claimed victory and control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that Iran has been defeated militarily. Following the recent U.S. strikes, Trump warned Iran against retaliation, stating that it would face a stronger response if it did. However, Iran's military launched missiles and drones at U.S. bases shortly after. Trump's suggestion to rename the Strait is part of his broader efforts to assert control over a conflict that critics argue has become a strategic misstep. Last month, Trump referred to the Strait of Hormuz as "American territory" and recently renamed Lake Ontario as "Lake America" amid trade disputes with Canada.