Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz as US Territory Amid Ongoing Tensions
By Editor • August 18, 2026 • 2 min read
In a controversial declaration on Truth Social, President Donald Trump has labeled the Strait of Hormuz as US territory, a move that adds another layer of complexity to the already fraught relations between the United States and Iran. Trump shared a striking map highlighting the region with a large blue circle claiming it as 'NEW US territory'.
In his post, he asserted, 'The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated.' Despite his claims, data from Kpler revealed a stark decline in maritime traffic, with only ten vessels passing through on Monday, a significant drop from the typical 130 to 140 vessels before the outbreak of war.
Iran's top negotiator, Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf, responded by stating that the shipping route would remain closed until certain conditions are met, including the lifting of sanctions and the release of Iran's frozen assets. On the diplomatic front, Trump indicated there are currently no discussions scheduled with Iran.
Further escalating tensions, Trump has threatened military action against Oman, a US ally, if it interferes with his diplomatic efforts regarding Iran. This comes amid rising concerns in global markets, with Asian shares dipping as oil prices surged, fueled by fears surrounding the ongoing conflict.
Meanwhile, a new strategic alliance was formed in the Middle East when Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey signed the Mecca Joint Defence agreement earlier this month. This NATO-style pact stipulates that an attack on one member will be considered an attack on all, a move seen as a direct response to Iranian aggression in the region.
As Trump faces declining approval ratings, a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates just 33% of respondents approve of his performance, matching the lowest levels seen during his presidency. Amidst these developments, Qatar has expressed a desire for Oman and Iran to engage in bilateral talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting that a resolution in this area could pave the way for US-Iran negotiations.
Source: www.independent.co.uk
