US President Donald Trump has escalated tensions with Iran, publishing a map of the Strait of Hormuz on Truth Social on Tuesday morning, accompanied by the phrase "New US Territory".
The post comes at a time when clashes between Washington and Tehran have escalated significantly, while Iran has warned that it will respond to any American attempt to take control of the strategic strait.
Trump had previously stated that after the end of operations against Iran, the US could declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory. He also claimed that the United States has control over the sea passage and that "no ship goes through unless we want it to."
New media post from Donald J. Trump
( TS: Aug 18 2026, 7:09 AM ET ) pic.twitter.com/MXZtcwYrhB
— Commentary Donald J. Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) August 18, 2026
The statements have sparked a strong reaction from Tehran. Major General Amir Khatami called the US president's comments a "big mistake" and warned that any threat to Iran would be met with resistance.
"Their legs will be broken," Khatami said, claiming that US forces are essentially expelled from the region and will not be allowed to return to the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz.
Meanwhile, the speaker of the Iranian Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the United States fulfills the terms of the interim agreement in Islamabad.
