Trump Labels Strait of Hormuz ‘New US Territory’ as Iran Rejects American Claims

Washington, DC, August 23, 2026; Tensions between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday after US President Donald Trump reposted a graphic portraying the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “NEW US Territory”, amid a widening dispute over the waterway and fresh sanctions planned against Tehran.

Trump’s latest post on Truth Social has revived his earlier remarks about the strategic maritime passage. He had previously shared the same graphic on August 18 and, during an address at a police academy gathering on Long Island on August 14, indicated that he could move towards declaring the Strait of Hormuz a US territory.

Iran has strongly rejected any suggestion that Washington could claim control over the passage. Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, criticised Trump’s remarks and argued that the United States was unable to reopen the waterway while simultaneously suggesting it could claim ownership of it.

Rezaei also warned neighbouring countries against participating in US economic measures against Tehran, saying that nations supporting Washington’s campaign could face consequences from Iran.

The latest escalation comes as the US prepares additional sanctions targeting Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is expected to announce measures described by Washington as among the toughest restrictions imposed on Tehran, while also urging China to cooperate over Iranian oil shipments.

Iran has condemned the proposed sanctions as an attempt by the United States to impose its policies beyond its jurisdiction. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the planned secondary sanctions had no basis under international law.

The dispute has also raised concerns over international energy supplies because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important routes for oil and gas shipments. Restrictions on maritime traffic through the passage have already contributed to disruptions in regional and international energy flows.

Despite the increasingly sharp rhetoric, Tehran has also signalled that diplomacy remains possible. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has called for negotiations aimed at ending the confrontation while protecting Iran’s national interests and sovereignty.

With Washington pushing ahead with economic pressure and Tehran refusing to accept US territorial claims over the Strait, Hormuz has emerged as a central flashpoint in the latest US-Iran confrontation.