Trump Declares Strait of Hormuz New American Territory Amid Rising Iran Tensions

The White House shared on its official X account a map posted by U.S. President Donald Trump depicting the Strait of Hormuz as "new American territory." This move escalates tensions in the region, with Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf responding that the strait will remain closed until the U.S. meets the conditions of the interim agreement, according to local media.

Yesterday, sources from the Islamic Republic and intelligence officials from Arab countries told the Wall Street Journal that Iran is using the ceasefire period, initiated by a memorandum of understanding with the U.S., to prepare for a broader conflict. Iran's plans reportedly include preemptive strikes, attacks on internet cables in the Gulf, destabilizing Kuwait and Bahrain, and even ground operations in Kuwait. The Revolutionary Guards have increased missile and drone production, strengthened control over the military, and updated militias in Iraq and Yemen on war expansion plans.

An insider close to the regime said there is a prevailing belief in Iran that "the main war has not yet begun." Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated two days ago that "60 days have passed since the agreement with the U.S., and we currently have no intention to return to negotiations."

In the context of stalled talks, a senior European official told the Washington Post that the alliance between Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia sends a message to the U.S., reflecting Gulf states' frustration with the Trump administration's handling of the conflict with Iran. Arab and Western officials noted that Gulf countries doubt the U.S.'s ability to defeat Iran and some are reconsidering hosting American military bases on their soil.