Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz as ‘NEW US Territory’ in Bonkers Truth Social Post

(Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP photo)

President Donald Trump proclaimed on Tuesday that the Strait of Hormuz is a “new U.S. territory,” as the war in Iran nears the six-month mark.

An image shared to Trump’s Truth Social account showed the crucial waterway and strategic oil pipeline circled on a map and emblazoned with the words “NEW U.S. Territory,”

The post echoed Trump’s sentiment several days ago during a speech on Long Island.

“And after we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated—pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump told the audience of mostly Nassau County police officers in Garden City. “Yeah, essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade—no ships get through unless we want them to. And how about Venezuela? Venezuela was a one-day war, and now we work great with them. We’ve taken in millions and millions of barrels of oil.”

Trump’s original statement drew a harsh rebuke from Tehran, where Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs.

“Trump has said that after Iran’s defeat, he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory!” Gharibabadi posted to X. “The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power.”

About two hours later, Trump posted to his social media platform again, declaring that the strait “is open and operating,” despite Iran claiming otherwise.

“There are no talks or conversations going on, or scheduled, with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” he said in the post. “The Naval Blockade remains in full force and effect. The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!