By Loveth Henry | National News

US President Donald Trump has declared the strategically important Strait of Hormuz a “new US territory” in a social media post, escalating tensions over control of the vital waterway amid the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran.

Trump made the declaration on Tuesday through a graphic shared on Truth Social, showing a map of the Strait of Hormuz between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, with the words “NEW U.S. Territory” prominently displayed.

The same graphic was also shared by the official White House account on X.

The development follows Trump’s earlier remarks that he would seek to declare the waterway US territory after what he described as the defeat of Iran.

Speaking at a political rally in New York State on Friday, Trump said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory after the United States finished defeating Iran.

He subsequently described the proposal as “a great idea” and “an excellent idea,” pointing to the presence of US naval forces in the region and the ongoing blockade.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes, with roughly 20 per cent of global oil and gas supplies typically passing through the narrow waterway.

The latest development comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran over access to the strait. Iran has restricted access to significant portions of the waterway, while US naval forces maintain pressure on Iranian ports.

Trump had previously stated that the United States had established a blockade under which ships would only be allowed to pass with US approval.

Iranian officials, however, have rejected any suggestion that the United States has territorial authority over the strait.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf and other officials have maintained that the waterway would remain closed or under Iranian authority until the United States lifts its blockade, eases sanctions and fulfils other commitments.

The Iranian position suggests that Trump’s latest declaration is likely to further intensify the dispute over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages.