Trump shares Hormuz image as 'US territory' as Iran faces new sanctions

Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday after President Donald Trump once again shared an image depicting the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. Iran responded by insisting that the crucial waterway would remain closed unless Washington changed its position. The post originated from Trump's Truth Social platform and followed a similar image shared on August 18.

During a speech at a police academy on Long Island on August 14, Trump expressed his intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States. Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, strongly rejected the US claim, stating that the distance between the political assertion and the reality of opening the Strait is greater than the 7,000-mile gap between Washington and the Strait. Rezaei referred to the situation as the "post-American order in the Arabian Gulf."

As the US prepares to implement additional economic measures targeting Iran, Iran has warned that these sanctions could severely damage its economy and impact key trade partners, particularly China, which is a major importer of Iranian crude. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was expected to outline what he called "the toughest sanctions in history" against Iran, urging China to cooperate with Washington on Iranian oil shipments.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei denounced the upcoming restrictions, calling them an attempt by Washington to project extra-territorial authority. Baghaei emphasized that such secondary sanctions have no basis in international law. Mohsen Rezaei also warned regional neighbors against aligning with US economic sanctions, threatening to consider them enemies if they cooperate.

The Strait of Hormuz remains the focal point of the ongoing conflict, with Iran asserting that the vital passage remains closed and threatening countermeasures against unauthorized tanker traffic. Shipping disruptions have significantly disrupted international energy flows. While Trump has repeatedly warned foreign governments against providing Iran with any form of assistance and insisted that Iran must accept the terms Washington deems acceptable, Iranian officials have shown willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations, emphasizing the need to resolve the standoff while preserving Iran's national strength and dignity.