Donald Trump: Strait of Hormuz is new US territory

Donald Trump: Strait of Hormuz is new US territory 

Donald Trump has escalated his confrontation with Iran, posting a map on Truth Social that labels the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz as a “NEW U.S. TERRITORY.” The post came a day after Trump said from the Oval Office that he liked the idea of formally declaring the waterway American territory. 

Trump had previously said the United States was effectively controlling the strait through its naval blockade.

“I think it's an excellent idea. We control it through the blockade, and I like the idea of declaring it our territory,” he said.

His latest post did not explain whether the map represented a formal policy decision or was intended as a political statement. Iranian officials, however, have already rejected the claim, with Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warning that it would either have to be corrected or face a response from Tehran.

Trump: Iran must not get a nuclear weapon

Trump also reiterated his central demand in negotiations with Tehran: Iran must be prevented from developing a nuclear weapon.

“They cannot be allowed to have a nuclear weapon,” he said, arguing that previous US military action had set back Iran's nuclear programme and that it would take Tehran considerable time to rebuild its capability.

The president also indicated that he was not seeking an extension of the June memorandum of understanding with Iran, which had provided a 60-day framework for negotiations on ending the conflict and addressing broader issues, including Iran's nuclear programme. That negotiating period expired on Monday without a final agreement. 

Hormuz becomes the centre of the dispute

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as the most contentious issue in the stalled negotiations.

Iran has said the waterway will remain closed until Washington meets conditions attached to the interim agreement, including lifting the blockade on Iranian ports, easing oil sanctions, releasing frozen Iranian assets and halting military threats and operations. 

Meanwhile, Oman and Iran have been negotiating separately over commercial shipping through the strait, with Qatar saying that an agreement between the two countries would make it easier to resume wider US-Iran talks.

The strategic waterway is one of the world's most important energy corridors, meaning any prolonged disruption carries consequences well beyond the Middle East.

Tensions rise as diplomacy falters

Trump's latest move comes amid increasingly aggressive rhetoric from both Washington and Tehran.

Iran has threatened to adopt a “fully offensive” military posture if diplomatic efforts fail, while Trump has ruled out extending the existing framework agreement. 

The US president has also threatened military action against Oman if he believes Muscat is obstructing Washington's efforts over the strait — an extraordinary warning given Oman's longstanding role as a diplomatic intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

Adding to the tension, a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz was reportedly struck by a projectile on Tuesday, damaging its engine room and injuring a crew member, according to maritime authorities. 

For now, Trump's “new US territory” declaration remains a dramatic political claim rather than an established change in sovereignty. But its timing underscores just how far the dispute over Hormuz has escalated.

With Iran refusing to reopen the strait on Washington's terms, the US rejecting an extension of the peace framework and Trump openly portraying Hormuz as American territory, the waterway has become the focal point of an increasingly dangerous US-Iran confrontation.