Trump claims Hormuz US territory

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly asserted that the United States has 'total control' over the Strait of Hormuz and has suggested declaring it a US territory, sharing an AI-generated map labeling it 'NEW U.S. Territory' on Truth Social. Iran has firmly rejected these claims, with officials insisting the strait 'has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian' and that it will only be opened or closed under Iran's command. The dispute is part of the ongoing US-Iran war that began on February 28, with Iran effectively blockading the strait, through which about one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies normally transit. Shipping traffic has plummeted to a fraction of pre-war levels, and attacks on vessels have continued, including strikes on ships linked to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Diplomatic efforts, including a June memorandum of understanding, have stalled, with both sides demanding concessions. The standoff has driven up global oil prices and US gasoline prices, creating political pressure on Trump ahead of midterm elections. Iran has also held talks with Oman on managing the strait, while the US has imposed its own naval blockade on Iranian ports. The situation remains tense with no clear path to resolution.