Trump claims Hormuz as US territory
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The gist
Trump said he will declare Strait of Hormuz a US territory. The claim challenges Iran and Oman's jurisdiction over a key oil route.
Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, through which about 20% of the world's oil passes. The U.S. and Israel have been at war with Iran since February 28, 2026, and Iran has restricted traffic through the strait in response. Trump's remarks come amid stalled ceasefire negotiations and an expiring memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran.
How it unfolded
- Feb 28, 2026The U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran, starting the war.
- Aug 14, 2026Trump said at a police academy in Long Island, N.Y., that he will 'pretty soon' declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory.
- Aug 14, 2026Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded on X, saying the strait 'cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech.'
- Aug 15, 2026A bulk carrier was reportedly hit by an unknown projectile in the strait, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre.
- Aug 17, 2026Trump again floated the idea, and a U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding expired.
- Aug 18, 2026Trump posted a map on social media titled 'New US Territory' showing the strait, and said no talks with Iran were planned.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump claims the U.S. controls the strait due to its naval blockade and says it will become a U.S. territory after Iran's defeat.
- Official
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the strait 'has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian' and that it will only open or close under Iran's command.
- Analysts
- The seriousness of Trump's remarks and whether they signal a new policy position is unclear, according to multiple outlets.
Still unverified
The report of a bulk carrier being hit by an unknown projectile in the strait on August 15 is based on a single report from the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre and has not been independently confirmed.