Trump's latest move adds a territorial dispute to an already volatile confrontation over access to one of the world's most important shipping routes. The US president has claimed that Washington has effectively taken control of the strait through its naval blockade and has repeatedly suggested that it should be formally designated as US territory.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump said he supported such a declaration, arguing that the United States already had control of the waterway. He had first raised the possibility publicly several days earlier, saying it could happen after the US defeats Iran.

Iran has rejected the suggestion and says commercial navigation through the strait will not return to normal unless the United States meets conditions Tehran says were agreed under a June understanding between the two countries.

Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the passage would remain closed until Washington takes steps including ending the naval blockade, lifting oil-related sanctions and releasing Iranian funds held overseas.

The two countries remain divided over the terms of the earlier ceasefire arrangement, which subsequently broke down and left tensions high across the region.

Why the Strait of Hormuz matters

The narrow passage is a crucial gateway for vessels travelling between the oil-producing Persian Gulf and international waters through the Gulf of Oman. Any prolonged interruption to shipping through the route could affect global energy supplies and push up uncertainty in international oil markets.

Iran has asserted authority over navigation during the current confrontation, with vessels reportedly required to obtain clearance and pay transit-related charges. The United States and some regional governments have rejected those restrictions.

Iran and Oman have separately been discussing arrangements for maritime traffic. Tehran said the talks were continuing and that the two sides had reached agreement on the geographic coordinates of a proposed navigation route.

Trump, however, has denied that negotiations with Tehran are taking place. He said the US blockade remains active while insisting that the waterway is open.

New maritime incident raises stakes

The dispute took another dangerous turn on Tuesday when a vessel travelling through the Strait of Hormuz was struck by what the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency described as an unidentified projectile.

The impact reportedly damaged the ship's engine room and left one crew member injured, while Omani authorities assisted the remaining crew.

The incident adds to growing fears over the safety of commercial shipping in the region. Tehran has been accused of restricting merchant traffic and imposing charges on vessels using the waterway, while Washington has demanded unrestricted navigation.

With Trump asserting US control and Iran insisting on its own conditions for reopening the passage, the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as one of the most sensitive flashpoints in the broader US-Iran confrontation.