Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz ‘New US Territory’ Amid Iran Tensions
US President Donald Trump has labelled the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “NEW U.S. Territory” in a social media post, escalating tensions over control of the critical waterway amid the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made the declaration on Tuesday through a graphic posted on Truth Social, his social media platform. The same graphic was subsequently shared by the official White House account on X.
The map highlights the Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, in blue and prominently displays the words, “NEW U.S. Territory.”
The post followed Trump’s recent remarks indicating that he intended to declare the waterway a US territory after the conclusion of the conflict with Iran.
Speaking at a political rally in New York State on Friday, Trump said he would make the declaration after what he described as the defeat of Iran.
“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.
“It’s true,” he added.
Trump had previously described the proposal as “a great idea” and “an excellent idea”, citing the presence of US naval forces and the ongoing blockade in the region.
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The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically significant maritime chokepoints. Approximately one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies typically pass through the waterway, making disruptions to its operations capable of affecting international energy markets.
The latest development comes amid an escalating standoff between the United States and Iran over access to the strait.
Iran has restricted access to parts of the waterway, while US naval forces have maintained a blockade of Iranian ports, according to the report.
Trump previously said, “We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”
Iranian officials have rejected any suggestion that Washington can establish territorial control over the waterway.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and other officials have maintained that the strait would remain closed or subject to Iranian control until the United States lifts its blockade, eases related sanctions and fulfils other commitments.
Iranian officials have also dismissed attempts to establish control over the strategic passage through political declarations, social media posts or military assertions.
The Strait of Hormuz is bordered by Iran to the north and Oman and the United Arab Emirates to the south and has long been regarded as a critical artery for global energy supplies.
Any prolonged disruption to shipping through the waterway could have significant implications for global crude oil prices, international trade and regional security.
