Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz US Territory, Iran Rejects Claim
Former US President Donald Trump posted a map on Truth Social on August 18-19, 2026, labeling the Strait of Hormuz as "new US territory," escalating tensions with Iran. Iran dismissed the claim as delusional, asserting sole control over the strategic waterway. Oil prices surged toward $92 per barrel as the strait—through which 20% of global oil passes—remained effectively closed, with only two vessels passing on Friday. Multiple ship attacks were reported, and no talks are scheduled between the US and Iran.
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Trump Publishes Map Claiming Strait of Hormuz as US Territory
Former US President Donald Trump has sparked controversy by releasing a map that designates the Strait of Hormuz as US territory. The map, published on August 19, 2026, asserts American sovereignty over the strategic waterway, which is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. Trump simultaneously claimed the strait remains open for navigation, despite reports indicating it is effectively closed. The move has drawn significant attention and criticism, as the Strait of Hormuz lies within the territorial waters of Iran and Oman, and such a unilateral claim could escalate tensions in the region. The article, sourced from Die Welt, highlights the provocative nature of the map and the contradiction between Trump's assertion of openness and the reality of the strait's status.
FTSE 100 Set to Fall as Oil Jumps After Trump Claims Strait of Hormuz as US Territory
Oil prices surged for a fourth consecutive session after U.S. President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz as 'NEW US territory' on Truth Social, posting a crude map with a blue circle over the strategic waterway. Brent crude climbed toward $92 per barrel amid ongoing supply concerns, as Trump stated the naval blockade remains in full force and that all water mines have been cleared. Despite his claims, limited traffic continues through the strait, and Iranian forces have intensified hostilities, with eight attacks on vessels reported this month, including ships linked to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. U.S. crude inventories fell by 328,000 barrels last week. Trump confirmed no talks are scheduled with Iran, and his envoy Jared Kushner said Iran is not showing interest in a proposed deal. The developments are expected to pressure FTSE 100 stocks lower.
Trump Labels Strait of Hormuz Map 'New U.S. Territory' After 60-Day Deadline Passes
President Donald Trump posted an image on Truth Social on August 18, 2026, labeling the Strait of Hormuz as a 'new U.S. territory.' This declaration came hours after Iran announced the key shipping route would remain closed following the expiration of a 60-day negotiating period with the U.S. without a deal. Trump had previously made similar statements in a speech on Long Island and in the Oval Office. The Strait of Hormuz separates Iran from parts of Oman and the United Arab Emirates and is a critical waterway for global oil shipments. The post included no additional context, and the story is breaking with updates expected.
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FTSE 100 Live: Trump Threatens to Declare Strait of Hormuz US Territory
Oil prices remain elevated at around $88 per barrel as tensions escalate between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Former President Donald Trump threatened to declare the strategic waterway a US territory, marking a major escalation in rhetoric. Trump stated he would make the declaration 'pretty soon' after claiming the US is defeating Iran. Iran responded forcefully, with Major General Amir Hatami warning that joking about such remarks would be a 'major mistake' and that Iran has 'defenders who will break your legs.' Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi asserted that the strait will only open and close under Iran's command. The conflict has severely disrupted global oil shipments, with ship-tracking firm Kpler reporting only two vessels passed through the strait on Friday and no crude oil shipments visible, compared to over 130 ships daily before the conflict began on February 28. The strait normally handles about 20% of global oil supply.
Iran Rejects Trump's Threat to Declare Strait of Hormuz US Territory
Former US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory, prompting a strong rebuke from Iran. Iranian officials dismissed the statement as 'delusions' and reaffirmed their control over the strategic waterway, through which about 20% of global oil passes. The threat comes amid reports of another ship being struck in the region, escalating tensions. Trump also told Americans to accept high gasoline prices, linking domestic energy costs to the situation. Multiple news outlets, including Fox News, Reuters, The Hill, NBC News, and CNBC, covered the story, highlighting the defiance from Tehran and the potential for further conflict. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, and any attempt to alter its status would violate international law.