Trump marks Strait of Hormuz as ‘new U.S. territory’ in unexplained map

The map highlighted a stretch of water between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman centered on the strategically important strait.

Trump added the words “New Territory of the United States” to the image but provided no further comment.

A senior Iranian official told Reuters on Aug. 17 that Tehran was prepared to launch an offensive in the Strait of Hormuz after negotiations with Washington failed.

U.S. war against Iran — key details

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, was blocked after war broke out between the United States and Iran in late February. The closure sent global oil prices sharply higher.

Traffic resumed on June 18 after Washington and Tehran agreed to a 60-day halt in hostilities. The United States lifted its naval blockade of Iranian ports, allowing the first tankers to pass through the strategic waterway.

Fighting resumed in early July, and Iran announced that it was closing the strait again. The two countries then renewed their strikes against each other.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Aug. 13 that the U.S. military had enough resources to maintain the naval blockade indefinitely. Ships could rotate through the region as needed, he said.

On Aug. 14, Trump said he planned to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after the war ended. He added that the United States had already imposed a blockade and would not allow ships to pass without American permission.

Iran regularly attacks ships attempting to cross the strait without its approval. The United States responds with strikes on Iranian military infrastructure.

In early August, Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said Tehran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz only if several demands were met: