United States President Donald Trump has floated the idea of renaming the Strait of Hormuz after himself, while maintaining that the strategically important waterway is now under American control amid escalating tensions with Iran.
Trump made the suggestion on Wednesday as fighting between the United States and Iran intensified, with Tehran continuing to dispute Washington’s claim of control over the strait.
The latest escalation followed US strikes on Iranian targets on Tuesday, including an attack that Iranian authorities said hit a residential building hosting a wedding in the southern Iranian city of Kuhestak, in Sirik County.
At least four people, including two children, were reportedly killed, although details surrounding the incident remain disputed.
In a post on social media, Trump wrote: “Now that we have it under USA control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT?
“Like America itself, it would be ‘hotter’ than ever before!”
Iran subsequently launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks against US-linked targets across the region, further raising concerns over the security of the waterway and global energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major flashpoint in the conflict, with the United States saying it is working to keep commercial navigation open, while Iran maintains that the waterway is under its control. Traffic through the strait has remained significantly below pre-war levels.
The renewed hostilities have also pushed oil prices higher amid fears that prolonged disruption around the strait could affect global energy supplies.
Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, accused Iran of attacking an oil tanker in the region, with two people reportedly killed in the incident.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a maritime monitoring agency affiliated with the British Royal Navy, has continued to report incidents involving vessels operating around the Strait of Hormuz.
The developments have heightened international concern over the security of one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes as the US-Iran conflict continues to escalate.