US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory” in a social media post, prompting an immediate rebuke from Tehran. The extraordinary statement comes amid a continuing US naval blockade, stalled negotiations with Iran and a dispute over who should control passage through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
INR Report: Based on reporting by RT HERE
Trump Claims US Territory in Hormuz
US President Donald Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory,” posting a map on Truth Social showing part of the strategic waterway circled and labelled “New territory of the United States.”
The statement drew an immediate response from Iran. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described Trump’s declaration as “delusional” and warned that Tehran would “correct” those claims.
Gharibabadi also remarked that Trump had at least correctly used the name “Persian Gulf,” an apparent reference to previous reports that the US president had considered referring to it as the “Arab Gulf.”
Talks With Iran Remain Stalled
The declaration comes as negotiations between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.
According to RT, a two-month window intended to reach a peace agreement expired on Monday. Trump subsequently said there were “no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled” with Iran.
Trump also maintained that the US naval blockade remained in force while claiming the Strait of Hormuz itself was open and operating and that water mines had been removed or detonated.
The combination of an ongoing blockade and Trump's territorial declaration raises significant questions about what Washington ultimately intends for the strategic waterway.
Oman Caught in the Dispute
The confrontation also increasingly involves Oman, which has played a central role in mediating between Washington and Tehran.
Trump threatened Oman on Monday, saying the United States could attack the country if it interfered with his attempts to resolve the confrontation with Iran.
At the same time, Oman has reportedly been holding separate negotiations with Tehran over a joint mechanism for governing the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Iran and Oman had reached an “understanding” over the issue.
Who Controls the Strait?
At the centre of the dispute is Iran’s proposal to collect permanent tolls from vessels seeking safe passage through the Strait.
Washington has rejected allowing Tehran to impose such charges and, according to RT, has signalled that restrictions on Iranian ports could continue unless Iran abandons the demand.
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Its importance extends far beyond the immediate military confrontation because disruption to shipping through the strait can affect international energy markets and global supply chains.
Trump's description of part of the waterway as US territory therefore adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile dispute over navigation, sovereignty and control.
Does This Affect New Zealand?
Yes — particularly if confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz further disrupts global energy supplies.
New Zealand is heavily dependent on imported refined petroleum products. Significant disruption to shipping through Hormuz could contribute to higher international crude oil and refined fuel prices, potentially flowing through to petrol, diesel, aviation fuel and freight costs in New Zealand.
There is also a broader principle involved. New Zealand, as a trading nation dependent on international shipping, has a substantial interest in freedom of navigation and predictable maritime rules.
Whether Trump's declaration represents a serious territorial position, political signalling or an attempt to strengthen Washington's negotiating position remains unclear.
What is clear is that the dispute over Hormuz is no longer simply about Iran's nuclear programme or US sanctions. Control of one of the world's most strategically important waterways has now moved directly into the confrontation.
Independent reporting. Original context. Credited sources.
Source
RT — Trump declares Hormuz ‘new US territory’ — Published 18 August 2026
https://www.rt.com/news/644373-trump-hormuz-us-territory/