Is the Gulf of Mexico U.S. Territory? Jurisdiction and Resource Rights

Yes, in part. The U.S. exercises jurisdiction over:

• Territorial waters (12 nautical miles from coast).
• Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 200 nm: sovereign rights to explore/exploit natural resources (oil, gas, fish).
• Airspace above.

These rights are based on international law (UNCLOS), historical presence, and treaties. The Gulf is not "U.S. territory" in the political sense (like Puerto Rico), but the U.S. controls its resources and activities within its maritime zones.