US President Donald Trump appeared to suggest the Strait of Hormuz should be renamed the ‘Strait of Trump’ in a bizarre speech on Friday. The strange remark comes a day after the US President extended his deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz by 10 days to 6 April after saying talks with Iran are “going very well”.

Speaking at the Future Investments Initiative, he said: “They have to open up the Strait of Trump– I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me. Such a terrible mistake. The fake news will say, ‘He accidentally said–‘ No. There’s no accidents from me.” The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most critical maritime chokepoints in the world, linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. It sits between Iran to the north and Oman/UAE to the south, forming the only sea route out of the Persian Gulf for several major oil‑producing states. Its geography and political environment make it a focal point of global energy security and international tension.

About 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) usually passes through the Strait of Hormuz and the war has sent global fuel prices soaring.

During the event, Mr Trump also said he is not calling the ongoing conflict with Iran a war. He said: “See, I get into a war. Of course, they call it a war. I call it a military conflict, but there’s a legal reason for that. But you get into a war or a military operation or conflict for you.”

Iran has repeatedly demonstrated that it can disrupt or threaten commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, using the waterway as strategic leverage whenever regional tensions rise.

In response, the United States, several European nations, and key Asian powers maintain a constant naval presence to safeguard the flow of vessels through this narrow but vital route.

Recent tensions involving the US Israel, and Iran have led to ships being attacked, short‑term closures of shipping lanes, and steep drops in vessel traffic.

Meanwhile, Iran has said it will “facilitate and expedite” the movement of humanitarian aid through the Strait of Hormuz, according to its UN ambassador in Geneva.

Ali Bahreini explained that Tehran has agreed to a United Nations request to ensure the safe passage of relief supplies and agricultural shipments through the strategically vital waterway.

He wrote on X: “This measure reflects Iran’s continued commitment to supporting humanitarian efforts and ensuring that essential aid reaches those in need without delay.”