US President Trumps claim challenged by Iran over control of Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has pushed back against US President Donald Trump's claim that the Strait of Hormuz will become a US territory, with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi accusing him of 'fanciful delusions'.

Key Development

Gharibabadi made the comments in an X post on Saturday, stating that the strait has been and will remain under Iran's control.

Trump had previously claimed that he would declare the Hormuz Strait a US territory after defeating Iran, sparking widespread criticism from Iranian officials and analysts alike.

The conflict over who controls the Strait of Hormuz is a major sticking point between the US and Iran in negotiations to end the war, with both sides claiming ownership of the key oil waterway.

Iran has continued to attack vessels in the strait, while the US has blocked ships coming into and out of Iran. The tensions have raised concerns about the safety of regional shipping lanes.

The United Arab Emirates also reported that Iran had attacked a state-owned oil ship in the strait on Saturday.

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Trump's comments on Friday were seen as part of a pattern of escalating rhetoric towards Iran, with some analysts warning that the situation could spiral out of control.

The US has imposed economic sanctions on Iran and has been conducting military operations in the region, which has led to concerns about the impact on regional stability.

The USS Abraham Lincoln's prolonged deployment in the Middle East has also raised concerns about the safety of sailors and the conditions they are facing.

Family members of sailors and lawmakers have expressed concern about the mental health of sailors on board, as well as the lack of food, basic supplies, and sanitation.

Trump has denied these claims, but some Democrats have pressed the administration for answers about the conditions on board and what they are doing to improve them.