Trump posts image labeling Strait of Hormuz as ‘US Territory’

Trump shares map showing Strait of Hormuz as a new US Territory

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Published August 18, 2026

President Donald Trump has made a bold assertion about the Strait of Hormuz in a new Truth Social post. The graphic depicted a map of the strategic waterway between Iran and Oman with the strait circled and a banner reading: “New US Territory.”

The statement comes as tensions surrounding the strategic waterway continue to draw global attention. The post reflects a backdrop of US naval blockade posture and Iran’s periodic waterway closures.

The pricing in prediction markets such as the US-Iran Hormuz Agreement by August 31 implies a lower prospect with Yes odds dropping from 24% a week ago to 7.5%.

The trading behavior further suggests participants view this development as sabotaging negotiations to restore normal traffic through the strait.

Nonetheless, potential breakthrough signals include announcements of a joint US-Iran deal or unrestricted resumption of transit through the chokepoint; moreover, with only 13 days remaining until the market’s date, any crucial moves by either country could modify expectations.

It remains unclear how serious Trump is about the move as he has maintained a pattern of broad intimidation against Tehran during the negotiation period.

Ruqia Shahid
Ruqia Shahid is a reporter specialising in science, focusing on discoveries, research developments, and technological advancements. She translates complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging stories, helping readers understand the latest innovations and their real-world impact through accurate, accessible, and insight-driven reporting.
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