President Donald Trump suggested or declared that the Strait of Hormuz is now a new U.S. territory [1, 2].
The move targets one of the world's most critical oil transit points. By asserting control over the waterway between Oman and Iran, the administration seeks to pressure Iran over a nuclear-deal framework, and ensure U.S. dominance in the region [3, 4].
Reports on the exact nature of the announcement vary. Some sources state Trump has already declared the area U.S. territory [2], while others report he suggested he would do so soon [4]. On Aug. 18, 2026, Trump posted a map circling the Strait to signal the territorial claim [1].
"Pretty soon I'll be declaring Hormuz strait a U.S. territory," Trump said [4].
The president also addressed the operational status of the waterway. He said the Strait of Hormuz is open and all mines have been removed [2]. These statements follow a period of heightened friction between Washington and Tehran.
Trump linked the territorial assertion to ongoing diplomatic failures. He said Iran wants a deal but is unwilling to accept terms the U.S. considers necessary [3].
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Sea. It serves as the primary artery for global oil exports from the Middle East. Any shift in legal status or physical control of the passage could trigger immediate international legal challenges and military escalation.
While some reports focused on threats toward Oman, other outlets emphasized the specific territorial declaration [2, 5]. The administration has not yet provided a formal legal justification for the claim under international law.
“"Pretty soon I'll be declaring Hormuz strait a U.S. territory,"”
This move represents a significant departure from traditional U.S. maritime policy, which typically focuses on 'freedom of navigation' rather than territorial annexation. By claiming the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. is attempting to leverage the economic vulnerability of Iran and other Gulf nations to force concessions on nuclear proliferation. However, such a claim contradicts the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and likely increases the risk of direct military confrontation in a region where any disruption to oil flow could trigger a global economic shock.
