Trump posts a map designating the Strait of Hormuz as "new US territory"

On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump posted an image on his Truth Social platform designating the Strait of Hormuz as a new US territory. The map in the image was circled and labeled "NEW U.S. Territory," with a band in American flag colors running through it. The image also included a portion of mainland Iranian territory on the northern shore of the waterway.

Prior to the conflict, approximately one-fifth of the world's oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Hours after the initial post, Trump announced on his platform that there were no ongoing talks or scheduled meetings with the Islamic Republic of Iran. He stated that the naval blockade remained in full force and effect, and mentioned that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operating, with all water mines removed or detonated.

While the Strait of Hormuz remained a significant route for global oil transportation, its commercial traffic had significantly decreased since the conflict began on February 28. Iran's deputy foreign minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, responded to Trump's post on X, dismissing the claim that the Strait could be seized by any means including tweets, aircraft carriers, or orders. He emphasized that Iran neither feared threats nor cowered before displays of power.

The president had previously hinted at the possibility of declaring the Strait as a US territory during an event in Long Island, New York. He emphasized the naval blockade and the lack of ships passing through unless authorized by the US. He also briefly mentioned Latin America, comparing Venezuela's conflict to a one-day war where the US established great relations and increased oil imports.

Since returning to the White House, Trump has raised claims over Greenland, the Panama Canal, Canada, and Venezuela, contrasting these with the US's long-standing support for freedom of navigation in international waters.