By Zainab Bakare
US President Donald Trump has labelled the Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory” in a social media post, escalating tensions over control of the strategic waterway amid the conflict with Iran.
Trump shared a map on Truth Social on Tuesday showing the strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with “NEW U.S. Territory” displayed prominently. The White House also posted the same graphic on X.
The move follows Trump’s recent comments that he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory after defeating Iran.
Speaking at a political rally in New York State on Friday, Trump said he would make the declaration after the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s major energy chokepoints, with roughly 20 per cent of global oil and gas supplies passing through it.
The US and Iran remain locked in a standoff over access to the waterway, with Washington maintaining a blockade of Iranian ports while Iran restricts access.
Iranian officials have rejected any US territorial claim over the strait. Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and other officials say the waterway will remain under Iranian authority until Washington lifts the blockade, eases sanctions and meets other commitments.
