Trump claims Strait of Hormuz as US territory

US President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran by posting an AI-generated map on Truth Social labeling the Strait of Hormuz as 'NEW U.S. Territory.' He asserted that the US has 'total control' over the waterway due to its naval blockade, and denied that any talks with Iran were underway or scheduled, contradicting his envoy Jared Kushner's earlier statement about 'very positive and active conversations.' Iran responded sharply: Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi called Trump's claim a 'delusion' that would be corrected, and Iran — Supreme National Security Council head Mohsen Rezaee mocked the gap between US claims and its inability to reopen the strait. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated that the strait will remain closed until the US fulfills all commitments under the June memorandum of understanding, including lifting the blockade, releasing frozen assets, and removing oil sanctions. The June agreement collapsed amid mutual accusations of non-compliance, and the US reinstated its blockade. Tensions escalated further as the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a vessel struck by an unknown projectile in the strait, causing engine damage and a crew casualty. The UAE reported two missiles launched from Iran, both falling in water. Qatar, a key mediator, said an Iran-Oman agreement on the strait would facilitate resuming US-Iran talks. Turkey's President Erdogan urged continued talks. Reports also emerged of back-channel contact between the US and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, with former DNI Tulsi Gabbard acting as an intermediary.