Trump Posts Map Labelling Strait of Hormuz as ‘New US Territory’ Amid Iran Tensions

August 18, 2026

Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump on Tuesday posted an image of a map labelling the Strait of Hormuz as a “new US territory”, amid escalating tensions with Iran over the strategic waterway.

Trump shared the map on his Truth Social platform without adding any comment. Last week, he had said that he would “pretty soon” declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory.

The development comes as Iran continues to restrict maritime navigation through the Strait, one of the world’s most important routes for global energy shipments.

Iran Says Strait Will Remain Shut

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed to maritime traffic until the US fulfils conditions outlined in a 14-point memorandum of understanding.

He said reopening the waterway would depend on measures including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen Iranian assets, removing oil sanctions and ending threats and military operations.

Ghalibaf also warned that Iran was prepared to respond more strongly to what it described as further aggression.

He defended the diplomatic process, saying the pause in hostilities had provided Iran with an opportunity to strengthen its economy and defensive capabilities.

Vessel Hit in Strait of Hormuz

Tensions escalated further after a vessel travelling through the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unknown projectile, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

The incident damaged the vessel’s engine room and left one crew member injured.

The latest developments come as a 60-day negotiation period between Tehran and Washington approaches its end, with major disagreements still unresolved.

Iran has linked the normalisation of commercial traffic through the Strait to demands including the lifting of the blockade, withdrawal of troops and payment of reparations.