WASHINGTON August 19 — Tensions over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz have intensified after US President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social depicting the disputed waterway as “new U.S. territory.”
Trump had earlier claimed that the United States was in “full control” of the strait, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Speaking to reporters on Monday, he said he liked the idea of declaring the waterway U.S. territory because Washington had full control over it.
Trump first floated the idea publicly at a political rally on Long Island last Friday, saying he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory after defeating Iran.
Iran, however, has rejected the claim. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, a senior Iranian official and negotiator, said in a televised address that the Strait would remain closed until the United States fulfills commitments outlined in a memorandum of understanding.
According to Iran, Washington had pledged before a deal between the two countries collapsed in June to lift a US naval blockade, ease sanctions on Iran’s oil sector and release Iranian assets held abroad.
The dispute was further complicated on Tuesday when an unidentified missile reportedly struck a vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, damaging its engine room and causing casualties among the crew, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The Omani Coast Guard assisted in rescuing the remaining crew members.
Meanwhile, Oman has continued talks with Iran aimed at easing the crisis. Trump said, however, that no talks with Iran are currently scheduled.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the naval blockade remained fully in place while also claiming that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operational and that all mines in the waterway had been removed or neutralized.
The conflicting claims underscore the growing uncertainty surrounding one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes, through which a significant share of global oil and gas supplies passes.
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