US President Donald Trump has sparked a fresh dispute with Iran after sharing a map that labels the Strait of Hormuz as “New U.S. Territory.”
Trump shared the map on his social media platform on Tuesday.
The post showed the strategic waterway under a US flag.
The move has drawn a strong response from Iranian officials.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments. About one-fifth of global oil supplies pass through the waterway.
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Trump Shares Controversial Hormuz Map
Trump’s post came days after he said he would declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory.
The US president has also claimed that American forces have total control over the waterway.
Trump has linked the issue to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
He has also supported a US naval blockade around the strategic route.
The latest map has added to tensions between Washington and Tehran.
Iran Rejects Trump’s Claim
Iran has rejected any suggestion that the United States can claim the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials say the waterway remains under regional sovereignty.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded directly to Trump’s post.
He said Trump’s view of the Strait of Hormuz would soon be corrected.
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Gharibabadi also warned that Iran would respond to what he called Trump’s mistaken view of the waterway.
Qalibaf Sets Conditions for Reopening Hormuz
Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also responded to Trump’s position.
He said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until several conditions are met.
Qalibaf called for an end to the US naval blockade.
He also demanded an end to military operations in the region.
Iran wants the return of its frozen assets.
It also wants an end to oil sanctions and military threats against Iran.
Qalibaf said these steps must come before the waterway can reopen.
Iran and US Remain Far Apart
The dispute comes as diplomatic efforts between Iran and the United States face serious problems.
A memorandum signed in June aimed to reduce tensions and open the way for wider talks.
However, the agreement later broke down.
The two sides now disagree over several key issues.
The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the biggest points of disagreement.
Iran says the United States must meet its demands before the waterway can reopen.
Hormuz Is Vital for Global Oil Trade
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman.
It is one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Large volumes of crude oil and other energy products pass through the strait every day.
Any long-term disruption could affect global energy markets.
It could also push up fuel and transport costs in many countries.
That is why the future of the waterway has become a major international concern.
Trump’s Map Raises New Questions
Trump’s decision to share the map has added a new political dimension to the dispute.
The map does not itself change the legal status of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, it reflects Trump’s strong position on the strategic waterway.
Iran has rejected that position and warned against any attempt to change the status of the strait.
The dispute could further increase tensions between Washington and Tehran.
