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// DOSSIER — trump-claims-strait-hormuz-new-us-territory
Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz as 'New US Territory' Amid Escalating US-Iran Standoff
REL_TIME: 24 Aug 2026 08:12Z · LANG: EN
US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran by posting graphics on Truth Social labeling the Strait of Hormuz as 'NEW U.S. Territory' and asserting that American naval blockades give Washington effective control over the vital energy transit passage. The rhetorical escalation follows the collapse of a 60-day ceasefire memorandum signed in June 2026. Iranian officials firmly rejected the claim, reaffirming Iranian sovereignty over the strait and stating the waterway will remain closed to unauthorized commercial traffic until the US lifts its naval blockade, removes oil sanctions, and unfreezes Iranian assets. As direct US-Iran talks remain non-existent, Iran and Oman have engaged in negotiations to establish a joint transit and fee-sharing mechanism, drawing military threats from Trump against Muscat.
// Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman through which approximately 20 percent of global oil and gas supply transits. Conflict erupted in February 2026 after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, leading Tehran to restrict shipping. Although a 60-day memorandum of understanding was reached in June 2026 to temporarily pause hostilities, implementation stalled over demands regarding naval blockades, oil sanctions, and frozen assets, culminating in the expiration of the truce in August 2026.
// Key Developments
- President Donald Trump repeatedly shared graphics depicting the Strait of Hormuz as 'NEW U.S. Territory' and claimed American forces exercise total control through a naval blockade.
- Iran rejected US claims as 'delusional', stating the strategic waterway will remain under Iranian sovereignty and closed to full traffic until Washington fulfills past truce commitments.
- Trump threatened military strikes against Oman if Muscat interferes with US objectives by negotiating separate transit agreements with Tehran.
- The 60-day US-Iran truce expired in mid-August without an extension, leaving diplomatic negotiations stalled and commercial energy shipping severely disrupted.
- Security risks in the strait escalated further after a commercial vessel was damaged by an unidentified projectile, resulting in crew casualties.
// Timeline
-
US and Israeli strikes against Iran mark the beginning of hostilities, leading Tehran to restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
-
The US and Iran sign a 60-day memorandum of understanding establishing a temporary truce and negotiation window.
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President Trump first suggests declaring the Strait of Hormuz a US territory during a speech in Long Island.
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The 60-day US-Iran truce expires without an extension; Trump posts a map labeling the strait 'NEW U.S. Territory' on Truth Social, drawing immediate condemnation from Tehran.
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A commercial ship is struck by an unknown projectile in the strait, damaging the engine room and causing crew casualties.
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An official Iranian X account retaliates by posting a map labeling California as 'NEW TERRITORY OF ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN'.
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Trump reposts the Hormuz graphic, reiterates territorial claims during campaign events, and threatens military action against Oman over its bilateral talks with Iran.
// Perspectives
[United States (President Donald Trump)]
Asserts sovereignty and operational control over the Strait of Hormuz via naval blockade, demanding Iran's compliance and threatening economic warfare or military action against third parties like Oman.
[Iran]
Denies US territorial claims, insists on full sovereignty over the waterway, and refuses to open transit until Washington ends its blockade and lifts sanctions.
[Oman]
Pursues bilateral diplomatic negotiations with Tehran to establish joint traffic oversight and fee-sharing protocols to restore commercial shipping.
// Quotes
“If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the sh*t out of them.”
“I want to state clearly that the Strait of Hormuz will not be opened until the American commitments stipulated in the memorandum of understanding are implemented.”
“The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian; this strait will only be closed and opened under Iran's command...”
“His delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will soon either be corrected, or we will correct the delusions of this delusional man.”
“This secondary sanctions find no foundation in international law.”
