On Tuesday, August 18, U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image on TruthSocial depicting a map of the Strait of Hormuz labeled “New U.S. Territory.” The post follows Trump’s earlier designation of the waterway as the “Trump Strait” and his circulation of AI-generated images showing himself participating in the seizure of Iranian tankers.
On August 14, Trump announced his intention to formally recognize the Strait of Hormuz as “U.S. territory” in the near future, a move he stated would occur after securing victory over Iran. In response, General Amir Hatami, commander of Iran’s military forces, declared on August 16 that the United States is no longer permitted entry into the Persian Gulf, Oman Gulf, and the Strait of Hormuz.
Reuters reported on August 10 that U.S. and Iranian officials were working toward an agreement to lift blockades on Iranian ports following an arrangement for unhindered navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, with all subsequent American actions contingent upon Iran fulfilling its obligations.
