US President Donald Trump has renewed his claim over the Strait of Hormuz, calling it “New US Territory” after a US-Iran MoU collapsed, while attacks on shipping continue and tensions rise across the Gulf.
US President Donald Trump has doubled down on his controversial plan concerning the Strait of Hormuz, posting a map on Tuesday that labelled the strategically important waterway as “New US Territory” after a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran collapsed.
Trump shared the map on Truth Social, while also claiming that the Strait of Hormuz was open and operating. He said all water mines in the strategic waterway had either been removed or detonated. However, shipping activity has reportedly remained far below normal levels, while maritime security concerns continue to affect vessels transiting the area.
“The Hormuz Strait is open and operating. All water mines have been removed or detonated,” Trump said in his post.
At the same time, Trump said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remained “in full force and effect”. His latest comments come amid growing pressure over rising prices that have been linked to the continuing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important routes for global energy shipments.
Despite Trump’s assertion that the waterway is operating, maritime monitoring agencies have continued to report incidents involving commercial vessels. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Tuesday that a bulk carrier was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The incident reportedly caused damage to the vessel and resulted in crew casualties.
The UKMTO, which had also reported a similar incident on Monday, advised vessels to exercise caution while navigating the strategically sensitive waterway.
Iranian officials have strongly rejected Trump’s claim that the United States could simply take control of the Strait. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi described the idea as a “fanciful delusion”, arguing that such a move could not be accomplished through a social media post.
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also said the Strait would not be opened until Iran’s conditions were met, according to Iranian media reports.
Tensions have further escalated following Trump’s threat to take military action against Oman if Muscat interferes with his plans concerning the Strait. Oman is a key regional actor and has traditionally played a role in diplomatic efforts involving Iran and other Gulf countries.
Iran has claimed that it was close to finalising an agreement with Oman to facilitate the reopening of the Strait. Under the proposed arrangement, Iran and Oman would reportedly control the routes on their respective sides of the waterway. Such an agreement could limit Washington’s influence over the strategic passage.
The Strait of Hormuz, stretching for approximately 167 kilometres, is bordered by Iran, Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Any attempt by the United States to establish unilateral control over the waterway would face major diplomatic, legal and military challenges.
The latest escalation follows the collapse of a US-Iran MoU that was signed with considerable attention in June. The agreement had established a 60-day period during which both sides were expected to facilitate normal shipping and pursue negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, the arrangement deteriorated after attacks involving ships, followed by US military action against Iran and a blockade of Iranian ports. Subsequent incidents involving commercial vessels and attacks across the Gulf further intensified the confrontation.
The collapse of the MoU also means that diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme have effectively stalled. Trump has repeatedly identified the nuclear issue as a top priority for his administration and has demanded an end to Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
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On Tuesday, Trump said there were no talks or conversations taking place or scheduled between Washington and Tehran.
Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps spokesperson Brigadier General Hossein Mohebbi also said that no negotiations were underway, according to Tasnim news agency.
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With tensions continuing to rise, uncertainty over the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern for international shipping, regional security and global energy markets.
