Donald Trump labels Strait of Hormuz as new US territory

On August 18, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump escalated tensions in the Middle East by publishing a map on Truth Social declaring the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route, as a new territory of the United States. This digital post followed earlier public remarks in which the president claimed that the U.S. now controls passage through the region, asserting that no vessel may pass without American authorization.

Iranian military officials have reacted sharply to these statements, warning that they would take aggressive measures against the president should he attempt to formalize this territorial claim. Despite these warnings of potential attacks on American ships and personal threats against him, the president has maintained his stance. The international community is currently monitoring the situation for any further clarifications from the White House or a formal strategic response from Tehran regarding the contested waterway.