Trump declares Strait of Hormuz new US territory in social media post

US President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz a "new US territory" in a social media post on Tuesday, escalating tensions over the strategic waterway amid ongoing conflict with Iran. The claim was made on Truth Social, a platform owned by Trump, and also posted by the official White House account on X. A map graphic highlighted the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, labeling it as "NEW U.S. Territory."

This followed Trump's earlier comments at a political rally in New York State that he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran. The development comes amidst a standoff between the US and Iran over the waterway, with Iran restricting access while the US Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports. Iranian officials have rejected claims of US territorial control, stating the strait will remain closed or under Iranian authority until the US lifts the blockade and eases sanctions.