Trump declares Strait of Hormuz new US territory on social media

Former US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a "new US territory" via a social media post, intensifying his rhetoric regarding control over the vital waterway amidst ongoing tensions with Iran.

Trump shared a map graphic on his Truth Social platform, labeling the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW U.S. Territory." This image was subsequently posted by the official White House account on X. The graphic prominently displays the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, highlighted in blue, with the declaration superimposed.

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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.

This development follows Trump's earlier statements at a New York rally, where he asserted, "After we finish defeating Iran... I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States." He further described the idea as "a great idea" and "an excellent idea," citing the US naval presence and blockade in the region.

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It’s true.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global energy chokepoint, typically facilitating the flow of approximately 20 percent of the world's oil and gas. The current situation is marked by a standoff between the United States and Iran over the waterway, with Iran restricting access and the US Navy maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports. Trump previously stated, "We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to."

Iranian officials have refuted claims of US territorial control. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and other figures have asserted that the strait will remain under Iranian authority or closed until the US lifts its blockade, eases sanctions, and fulfills other commitments. Iranian statements have dismissed attempts to claim the waterway through social media or military assertions.

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We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.