President Donald Trump has stirred controversy once again by posting a picture on “Truth Social” that lists the Strait of Hormuz as a U.S. territory, akin to Puerto Rico and Guam. This statement extends his recurring stance on Hormuz.
The post comes amidst ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, alongside the U.S. naval blockade on Iran. On August 18th, Trump shared a map pinpointing the Strait of Hormuz with the caption “New American Territory” and republished it days later.
In a speech at a police academy in New York, Trump declared his intention to annex the strait as a U.S. territory after “defeating Iran,” asserting, “that's what it is essentially. We are enforcing a blockade, and no vessel passes without our consent.”
He reiterated his view during a rally in South Carolina, branding the Strait of Hormuz as an “American territory,” alluding to American military control over maritime traffic in the area.
Conversely, Tehran has dismissed Trump's remarks. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi labeled the U.S. assertion as “delusional,” asserting that the status of the strait cannot be changed by a post or military might.
Earlier in mid-August, Trump proclaimed that he would “very soon” declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory, heightening U.S. rhetoric over controlling this strategic maritime passage amid increased pressure on Iran.
However, a White House official later clarified that Trump “was joking” about making such a declaration anytime soon. The Wall Street Journal quoted an unnamed official saying the comment was “made in jest.”