Trump claims strait of Hormuz as ‘New US Territory’ drawing fierce warning from Tehran

TBM Report ||

US President Donald Trump sparked intense diplomatic friction by sharing a controversial map on social media designating the Strait of Hormuz as a “new US territory.” The image was posted on his Truth Social platform without any accompanying commentary, marking the second time within a single week that he shared the identical graphic.

The move follows remarks made by Trump on Friday during a speech at a police academy in Long Island, New York. Addressing the audience, the President asserted that he would formally declare the strategic waterway part of the United States “very soon” after defeating Iran.

“The Strait of Hormuz is essentially US territory now,” Trump claimed. “We have an active blockade there, and no ship can navigate those waters without our explicit authorization.” However, policy analysts remain uncertain whether his statements signal a calculated shift in US foreign policy or constitute political rhetoric.

Tehran responded swiftly with sharp warnings. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi rejected the assertion, writing that no US threat or display of military force would intimidate Iran. He emphasized that decisions regarding the opening or closing of the strait rest solely under Iranian jurisdiction.

The maritime corridor has remained largely immobilized since February 2026, when joint US and Israeli military actions against Iran prompted Tehran to restrict passage. Prior to the conflict, roughly one-fifth of global sea-borne crude oil passed through the narrow choke point. Washington has enforced strict economic blockades on Iranian ports and maritime traffic, leaving diplomatic efforts to reopen the waterway stalled.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified to the Iranian news outlet Shahrara News that Tehran has reached no decision to resume formal negotiations with Washington. He stated that indirect exchanges facilitated via Qatar and Pakistan do not constitute structural peace talks, adding that separate discussions mediated by Oman regarding safe transit routes depend heavily on the US meeting specific Iranian preconditions.