Trump claims Hormuz as American territory
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The gist
Trump posted a map labeling the Strait of Hormuz 'new U.S. territory' on Truth Social. The claim lacks legal basis and has drawn sharp international and domestic criticism.
Background
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil passed before the war. Trump has repeatedly threatened to claim it as U.S. territory amid the ongoing Iran conflict, which has disrupted shipping and global oil prices. International law recognizes the strait as passing through territorial waters of Iran and Oman, making such a claim legally dubious.
How it unfolded
- Aug 16, 2026Trump first said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a U.S. territory during a speech at a police academy in New York, claiming the U.S. blockade already gives it control.
- Aug 17, 2026Trump repeated the idea to reporters, saying 'I just think it's a great idea.' Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded that the strait 'cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier.'
- Aug 18, 2026Trump posted a map on Truth Social circling the strait and labeling it 'new U.S. territory,' hours after Iran said the strait would remain closed after a 60-day negotiating period expired without a deal.
- Aug 19, 2026Trump doubled down on the threat, again posting the map and reiterating his claim.
Who’s saying what
- Official
- Trump asserts the U.S. blockade effectively makes the strait U.S. territory, saying 'No ships get through unless we want them to.'
- Iran
- Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the 'Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech.'
- Experts
- International law experts say the claim has no legal basis; Natalie Klein noted it could only be plausible if the U.S. had military control over Iran's coastal areas, which it does not.
- Legal
- Former Reagan official Bruce Fein said Trump is constitutionally powerless to annex territory without a treaty ratified by the Senate or a statute.
Still unverified
The exact legal implications of Trump's claim remain untested; no official U.S. government action has been taken to formally annex the strait.