Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz New US Territory in Social Media Post

US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory” in a post on his Truth Social platform, further escalating tensions with Iran over the strategic waterway.

Trump shared an image of a map depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “New US Territory”, days after saying he would declare the waterway part of the United States.

The development came after a 60-day negotiating period between the United States and Iran expired without an agreement on the future of the strategic passage.

Trump had earlier said the United States would declare the strait a US territory after what he described as the defeat of Iran.

The US President has also maintained that American forces have effective control over the waterway through a naval blockade.

Iran, however, has rejected Trump’s claims and insisted that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi previously said the strait could not be seized through a social media post, military force or presidential order, insisting that it would remain Iranian.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, serving as a major route for global oil and gas shipments.

Trump’s latest move comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the United States maintaining a naval blockade while diplomatic efforts remain stalled.

Trump also said on Tuesday that there were no ongoing or scheduled talks with Iran, while maintaining that the naval blockade remained in force. He claimed the Strait of Hormuz was open and that water mines had been removed or detonated.

The escalating dispute has raised concerns over the security of global energy supplies, as prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz could further affect oil prices and international shipping.