U.S. President Donald Trump has triggered fresh controversy after sharing a social media post that appeared to rename the Strait of Hormuz as the “Strait of Trump.”
The post, reshared on Truth Social on Wednesday, showed a map of the strategic waterway with the new label boldly written across it.
Although there is no indication of any formal move to rename the Strait, Trump’s decision to amplify the post has drawn attention because of the waterway’s huge importance to global oil supply and its sensitivity in U.S.-Iran relations.
The Strait of Hormuz links the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors. A large share of global crude oil and petroleum products passes through the narrow route daily.
Trump’s post comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with the Strait again at the centre of disputes over sanctions, navigation rights, oil exports and nuclear negotiations.
The U.S. president had earlier suggested that the waterway could be referred to differently, a remark widely seen as provocative rather than a serious diplomatic proposal.
International waterways are recognised through long-standing geographic and diplomatic usage, making any unilateral renaming largely symbolic and unlikely to gain global acceptance.
The development has also unsettled oil markets.
Oil prices climbed on Thursday as traders reacted to fears of prolonged disruption around the Strait and uncertainty over U.S.-Iran nuclear talks.
Reports said Brent crude rose to its highest level since mid-2022 after Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to reopen the Strait and ease the current blockade while negotiations continued.
Trump reportedly insisted that pressure on Tehran would remain until a broader nuclear agreement is reached.
The Strait of Hormuz has for decades been a flashpoint between Iran, the United States and its allies, with any threat to shipping through the route capable of sending shockwaves through global energy markets.