Trump Calls Strait of Hormuz ‘American Territory’ as Iran Says Waterway Remains Closed

Washington / Tehran — August 23, 2026

US President Donald Trump has reignited tensions over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz after sharing a map on social media describing the waterway as “NEW US Territory.” The move comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue over control of shipping through the key maritime route.

Trump had previously threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, saying that the United States effectively controls the waterway through its blockade. Iran, however, has rejected the claim and said the strait will remain closed unless the United States changes its approach and fulfils its commitments.

Trump Shares Map Calling Hormuz ‘New US Territory’

Trump first shared the map on August 18 and reposted it on August 23. The graphic labels the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory.” His latest post comes after he publicly said that he was considering declaring the strategic waterway US territory.

Speaking at a police academy in New York earlier in August, Trump said that he would soon consider declaring the Strait of Hormuz a US territory. He later said that the United States effectively controls the waterway because of its blockade and that he liked the idea of formally declaring it a territory.

Iran Rejects Trump’s Claim

Iran has strongly rejected the US president's characterization of the strait. Iranian officials have maintained that the waterway is closed and said that reopening it would depend on Washington changing its behaviour and meeting its commitments.

Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi dismissed Trump's comments as “delusions,” according to The Guardian.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei also said the Strait of Hormuz would not reopen unless the United States changed its approach. Despite Iran's declaration, shipping activity through the waterway has increased in recent days.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important maritime routes. It connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making it a crucial passage for international energy shipments.

Around one-fifth of the world's seaborne oil supply typically passes through the waterway, meaning prolonged disruption could have significant consequences for global energy markets, shipping and fuel prices.

Shipping Traffic Continues Despite Closure Claim

Although Iranian officials have described the strait as closed, maritime traffic has not completely stopped.

According to maritime trade data cited by the Times of India, nearly 200 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the previous week, compared with around 150 the week before and approximately 40 two weeks earlier.

Maritime intelligence firm Kpler also reported that more than 80% of liquid cargoes passing through the strait over the previous two weeks either used an Omani route backed by the United States and authorised by the International Maritime Organization or travelled without publicly visible tracking.

US Blockade Adds to Regional Tensions

The dispute over the Strait of Hormuz comes amid continuing military and diplomatic tensions between the United States and Iran.

The Guardian reported that US forces had redirected 68 commercial vessels to comply with the blockade as of Friday. The conflict has also created growing pressure around Iran's oil exports and access to the strategically important waterway.

The Trump administration has been attempting to increase economic pressure on Iran while negotiations over a possible peace agreement remain unresolved.

Oman Emerges as a Possible Route

Iran has also indicated that it reached an agreement with Oman regarding a possible “middle route” through the Strait of Hormuz, although a joint statement had not yet been finalized at the time of the latest reporting.

Oman has an important geographical position along the waterway and has previously played a role in diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States.

What Could Happen Next?

The competing claims from Washington and Tehran leave the future of the Strait of Hormuz uncertain.

The key developments to watch include:

• Whether shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to increase.

• Whether the US blockade is expanded or reduced.

• Whether Iran and the United States return to negotiations.

• Whether the proposed route involving Oman develops into a formal arrangement.

• The potential impact of continued disruption on global oil and shipping markets.

A Strategic Waterway at the Center of a Growing Crisis

Trump's latest post has added another layer to an already tense confrontation between Washington and Tehran. While the US president has described the Strait of Hormuz as effectively under American control, Iran continues to reject the claim and insists that any change in the situation depends on US actions.

With the waterway carrying a significant share of global oil shipments, the standoff is being closely watched by governments, energy markets and the international shipping industry.

For now, the central question remains whether the competing positions will lead to further escalation or create pressure for a new diplomatic agreement over one of the world's most important maritime routes.