US President Donald Trump has sparked fresh geopolitical controversy after posting an image on Truth Social designating the Strait of Hormuz as "NEW US Territory" and declaring the vital maritime corridor closed. Speaking at a police academy event on Long Island on August 14, Trump hinted at the move, stating, "Pretty soon I'll be making the Strait of Hormuz a territory of the United States," before reiterating on Sunday that the shipping lane will remain shut unless Washington adjusts its stance.

The declaration targets one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, through which nearly a fifth of global petroleum consumption passes daily. While Washington has not issued formal diplomatic or administrative decrees regarding an territorial acquisition, the social media assertion and accompanying graphic mark a significant rhetorical escalation in US posture toward Gulf maritime security, threatening further disruption to international energy markets and regional transit dynamics.