US President Donald Trump on Tuesday posted a map on his Truth Social platform labeling the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory,” intensifying his threat to claim sovereignty over the vital maritime chokepoint. The waterway, which facilitates the transit of one-fifth of the world’s oil, remains effectively closed by Iran in retaliation for the war Trump and Israel initiated on February 28.
Trump first proposed a US takeover last Friday, speaking in a jovial tone about declaring the strait American property. Iran immediately retorted that the strait “will remain Iranian.” Trump revisited the idea on Monday during an Oval Office briefing, suggesting to reporters that he viewed the potential annexation as a positive move.
Before the Iran war began on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz functioned as an open, international waterway. Iran has stated it will not reopen the passage until the United States meets a list of demands, including ending the blockade of Iranian ports, lifting oil sanctions, unfreezing Iranian assets, and paying war damages.
This is not the first time Trump has threatened to annex foreign territory when faced with policy obstacles. Since returning to power in 2025, he has threatened to make Canada the 51st US state, seize Greenland, and alluded to taking control of the Gaza Strip, though he has not followed through on any of these previous claims.
Source: Gulf Today
