Trump declares Strait of Hormuz new US territory in social media post

US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory” in a social media post, escalating his comments over control of the strategic waterway amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.

Trump on Tuesday shared a map graphic on Truth Social, a social media platform he owns, labelling the Strait of Hormuz a “NEW U.S. Territory”.

The same graphic was also posted by the official White House account on X.

The image shows a blue-highlighted map of the strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with a circle around the narrow passage and the words “NEW U.S. Territory” displayed prominently.

The development 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, “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,” he added.

Trump had also described the idea as “a great idea” and “an excellent idea”, citing the US naval presence and blockade in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, through which roughly 20 percent of global oil and gas typically flows.

The latest development comes amid an ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran over the waterway, with Iran restricting access to much of the strait while the US Navy maintains a blockade of Iranian ports.

Trump had previously said, “We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”

Iranian officials have rejected claims of U.S. territorial control.

Iranian Parliament Speaker, Mohammad Ghalibaf, and other figures have stated that the strait will remain closed or under Iranian authority until the United States lifts the blockade, eases related sanctions, and meets other commitments.

Iranian statements have dismissed efforts to claim the waterway through social media posts or military assertions.