Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz “New U.S. Territory” Amid Ongoing Conflict

On Tuesday President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social labeling the Strait of Hormuz as “NEW U.S. Territory.” The declaration came amid a six-month-old war between the United States and Iran that began on February 28.

Trump shares image depicting Strait of Hormuz as ‘US territory’

The conflict started when the United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, prompting Iran to seal the strait—a chokepoint that previously carried roughly one-fifth of global oil. A June 17 memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed to halt hostilities and reopen navigation, but the agreement unraveled after a dispute over control of the strait. President Trump declared the MoU “over” on July 7, and Iran’s foreign ministry subsequently suspended it.

Reuters

• Shipping data from Kpler show that over the past two weeks more than 80 % of vessel transits chose the UN-authorized Omani route, a path Iran opposes.

CNN

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported combined oil transits through the strait and rerouted shipments at around 15 million barrels per day for a recent week, still below the pre-war average of 20 million barrels.

CNN

• Analyst reports indicate oil flow through Hormuz collapsed from 18 million barrels per day to roughly 2 million barrels per day.

24/7 Wall St.

• Energy Secretary Chris Wright emphasized the higher shipping numbers, suggesting the blockade is achieving its intended effect.

CNN

• Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, called Trump’s map a “delusion” and said the strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command.

The Hill

• Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, said the strait will remain closed until the United States meets a list of demands, including lifting the naval blockade and ending oil sanctions.

Reuters

Iranian officials have dismissed the territorial claim as legally untenable. Legal scholars argue that unilateral presidential declarations cannot alter internationally recognized maritime boundaries.

Latin Times

• Trump’s claim of “total control” conflicts with Kpler data showing most traffic avoiding Iran-controlled routes and ships still turning off transponders to evade attacks.

CNN

• While the United States reports 15 million barrels per day moving, other sources note actual flow remains far below pre-war levels, with only 2 million barrels per day currently passing.

CNN

• “It increasingly looks like Iran has at least partially lost control of the strait,” — Homayoun Falakshahi, head of crude oil analysis at Kpler

CNN

• “I like the idea of declaring it a territory,” — Donald Trump, former president

Forbes

U.S. officials say there are no talks with Iran and no scheduled negotiations. The expired June 17 MoU leaves the diplomatic framework uncertain, while Oman and Iran continue bilateral talks aimed at restoring freedom of navigation without U.S. involvement. The United States maintains its naval blockade, and the strategic status of the strait will likely remain a focal point of military posturing and oil-market volatility until a new agreement is reached.

Reuters