Trump labels Strait of Hormuz 'new U.S. territory'

Published Aug 18, 01:28 PM UTC

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.