Trump shares map depicting Strait of Hormuz as ‘new US territory’

ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump has shared a map on social media depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “new US territory,” at a time when tensions between the United States and Iran remain high over the strategic waterway.

Trump posted the map on his social media platform Truth Social on August 18, with the words “NEW U.S. TERRITORY” displayed over the area surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. However, his post did not clarify whether the map represented any formal US government decision, legal action or presidential order, or was an expression of his political position and intentions.

Trump has previously spoken about US control over the Strait of Hormuz. On August 12, he claimed that the United States had “total control” of the strategic waterway and indicated that Washington could retain control of it.

On August 14, Trump went further, saying that after defeating Iran, he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory. His remarks drew a strong reaction from Iran.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected Trump’s position, saying that the Strait of Hormuz was under Iran’s control and that Tehran would decide when to open or close the strategic waterway. He said the Strait of Hormuz had historically been associated with Iran and would remain so in the future.

The Strait of Hormuz, located between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. A significant volume of global oil and liquefied natural gas passes through the strait, making its security and freedom of navigation crucial for international energy markets and global trade.

Meanwhile, tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz remain high. On August 18, Trump said that no talks were taking place with Iran and that no negotiations had been scheduled. He also claimed that the US naval blockade remained in place and that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operational.

Iranian officials, however, maintain that the waterway will not be reopened until the United States accepts Tehran’s conditions.

Trump’s decision to share a map depicting the Strait of Hormuz as “new US territory” comes amid continuing disputes between Washington and Tehran over control of the strategic waterway, maritime traffic and freedom of navigation.