Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:36pm on 18 Aug 2026,Tuesday International
US President Donald Trump has called the Strait of Hormuz “new US territory” in a post on Truth Social. He also said the US has “total control” of the key waterway. Iran, however, said the strait will remain closed until Washington meets its demands. Tehran wants the US naval blockade lifted, oil sanctions removed and Iranian assets abroad unfrozen. The dispute has increased tensions between the two countries. The strait is a major route for global oil shipments. The situation worsened after an unknown projectile hit a vessel, damaging its engine room and leaving one crew member injured.
