In a move that has sent shockwaves through the international community, President Donald Trump recently declared the Strait of Hormuz "new US territory." This strategic waterway, which serves as a critical artery for over a fifth of the world’s global LNG trade and millions of barrels of oil, is historically shared by Iran and Oman. Trump’s assertion comes on the heels of an expired diplomatic memorandum with Tehran, marking a significant escalation in tensions as the US seeks to cement control over one of the planet's most vital energy chokepoints.

This is not the first time the President has challenged international borders with bold rhetoric regarding sovereignty. Throughout his term, he has frequently floated the idea of American expansion or annexation, ranging from his persistent interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark to his provocative branding of Venezuela as the "51st state" following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. He has even publicly suggested that Canada should be absorbed into the US to resolve trade imbalances, framing such acquisitions as a pathway to economic prosperity and protection. These recurring claims underscore a broader, unconventional approach to foreign policy that continues to test the boundaries of global diplomacy.