Archive · 18 Aug 2026
Trump Claims Hormuz as US Territory After Iran Deal Collapses
Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz should become United States territory.
He posted a map showing it with that label.
Trump also said the waterway was open and that mines had been removed.
However, maritime monitors said ships were still being attacked and normal shipping had not returned.
Iran rejected Trump’s idea and called it unrealistic.
Iran said the Strait would not open until its conditions were met.
Oman and the United Arab Emirates also border the waterway.
A 60-day agreement between the United States and Iran ended without being extended.
The two countries now say they are not holding talks.
Donald Trump posted a map labeling the Strait of Hormuz “New US Territory.”
Trump said the waterway was operating and mines had been removed, while maintaining a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Maritime monitors reported continued attacks, including damage and crew casualties aboard a bulk carrier.
Iran rejected Trump’s proposed takeover and said the Strait would remain closed until its conditions were met.
A 60-day United States-Iran memorandum on shipping and nuclear negotiations ended without extension or ongoing talks.
- Who
- United States President Donald Trump, Iran, Oman, and maritime authorities are central to the dispute.
- What
- Trump claimed the Strait of Hormuz as “New US Territory,” while Iran rejected the proposed takeover and shipping remained disrupted.
- When
- Trump made the renewed claim on Tuesday after the 60-day memorandum ended on Monday.
- Where
- The dispute concerns the 167-kilometre Strait of Hormuz and surrounding Gulf waters.
- Why
- The memorandum collapsed after shipping attacks, United States retaliation and a blockade of Iranian ports; the two sides also disagreed over Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the waterway.
Trump and United States Position
Iran and Regional Objections
Control of the Strait
Trump and United States Position
Trump presented the Strait as “New US Territory” and said the waterway was open under continuing United States military pressure.
Iran and Regional Objections
Iran called the proposed seizure a fanciful delusion, while its parliament speaker said the Strait would not open until Iran’s conditions were met.
Shipping and security
Trump and United States Position
Trump said mines had been removed or detonated and that the Strait was operating.
Iran and Regional Objections
Maritime monitors reported that shipping remained far below normal and that attacks on vessels continued.
Diplomatic path
Trump and United States Position
Trump said there were no talks or scheduled conversations with Iran, while maintaining pressure over its nuclear programme.
Iran and Regional Objections
Iran also said talks were not taking place and reportedly pursued an arrangement with Oman that would give Iran and Oman control over routes on their respective sides.
- Waterway
- The Strait of Hormuz is described as a 167-kilometre route bordering Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
- Trump’s claim
- Trump posted a map labeling the Strait “New US Territory.”
- United States position
- Trump said the Strait was open, mines had been removed or detonated, and the naval blockade of Iranian ports remained in force.
- Shipping status
- Monitoring agencies said shipping had not returned to normal and reported continuing attacks.
- Reported incident
- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency said a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile, causing vessel damage and crew casualties.
- Memorandum timeline
- The United States-Iran memorandum was signed in June and had a 60-day window that ended on Monday.
- Talks
- Trump and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson both said no negotiations were taking place.