Donald Trump has again posted a map showing the Strait of Hormuz circled as “new US territory,” renewing debate over his previous assertion that the critical waterway should be considered American-owned. The map appeared on his Truth Social post on Sunday, repeating nearly the same image he shared earlier on August 18.
Trump initially floated the idea during a New York rally on August 15, saying: “After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated — pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States. It’s true.”
Strait remains closed since February
Since Iran initiated its blockade in the aftermath of escalating conflict on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has been shut to international passage. Ships are now required to obtain permission and pay fees from Iran to transit the vital waterway. Prior to the war, the strait carried nearly one-fifth of the world’s exported oil and LNG. Despite these obligations, Trump claims the United States “has total control” of the strait.
Iran demands America change behaviour
Iran counters that the Strait will remain closed “despite American claims,” until the US fulfills what it deems its obligations. Mohsen Rezaei, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, declared this on state television, emphasizing that America must first “correct its behaviour” for the closure to be lifted.
Rezaei also accused other nations of becoming America’s allies in an “economic war” targeting Iran. He warned that those participating in sanctions against Tehran would be treated as enemies. “Any country participating in the imposition of economic restrictions against us is considered an enemy,” he stated.
Threats of retaliation
Iran has not yet launched strikes on US economic assets, having focused so far on military targets. But Rezaei said that if the US proceeds with economic punishment, Tehran is prepared to respond. He pointed to American oil and business interests both inside and outside the region as potential targets.
He further warned: “Should Trump take action, our confrontation will be like an earthquake.”
What’s at stake?
The Strait of Hormuz is of massive strategic importance. Before the blockade, about one in every five barrels of global oil and natural gas exports passed through it. By restricting access, Iran holds a key lever over global energy flows and supply chains.
Questions about the legality
Experts and international observers have questioned whether Trump’s call to treat the strait as US territory has any legal merit. International law generally recognizes straits used for international navigation as open to free passage, regardless of territorial claims. While the original report doesn’t delve into legal analysis, the idea of declaring the Hormuz Strait American territory has sparked debate among diplomats and specialists.
Reactions to Trump’s map
This latest post repeats the same map image Trump shared five days earlier. Trump’s August 15 rally speech marked the first time he publicly proposed claiming U.S. sovereignty over the waterway.
Meanwhile, Iran has unwaveringly rejected the claim. In addition to its closure of the strait, Tehran has issued stern warnings to states considering support of US measures.
What comes next?
As tensions escalate, the international community watches closely. Any move to unilaterally change the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz could have profound diplomatic consequences.
For now, Iran insists control remains on its terms. Trump continues to push his claim, with maps and rhetoric reinforcing his declaration.
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