In a move likely to stir diplomatic tensions, U.S. President Donald Trump has released an image depicting the strategic Hormuz Strait as a new American territory. Notably absent from this map are the nations of Qatar and Bahrain, appearing as though they had vanished beneath the Gulf's waters.

This provocative illustration signals an escalation in Trump's ongoing strategy of using the vital maritime passage as leverage. The release coincides with a series of exaggerated statements intended to project strength and elevate demands during a period of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.

This latest image is part of a pattern of contentious remarks by Trump regarding the strait. Earlier in March, he suggested renaming it to "American Street," following a previous instance where he labeled it "Trump Street" in another published image.

A map showing the Hormuz Strait depicted as a U.S. territory with Qatar and Bahrain missing.Image depicting Hormuz Strait as U.S. territory without Bahrain and Qatar

These actions represent psychological and provocative pressure tactics, aiming to unsettle opponents and extract concessions in negotiations. However, this intensification has been met with firm opposition from Iran, which asserts that the strait has always been Iranian and will remain so, with control over its opening or closing solely in their hands.

Source: RT