United States of Iran: Trump’s Delusion or Strategy? Bitcoin Doesn’t Care

How do you capture a new territory and expand your country in 2026? In ancient times, it happened through war, invasion, physically overthrowing a government, and claiming the land. But in modern times, one apparently just needs to post on social media.

That is what the POTUS did today.  Donald Trump and the White House posted an image today showing the Strait of Hormuz as a brand-new US Territory. Perhaps the 51st state.

Hormuz is open for all ships – the POTUS claimed, but maritime data would disagree.To be clear, there has been no transfer of sovereignty. Hormuz remains an international strait between Iran and Oman. Trump’s claim may be political theatre.

Or something more strategic, like an attempt to turn US military control into negotiating leverage.  pic.twitter.com/MxwhOXd4uv— The White House (@WhiteHouse) August 18, 2026 Hormuz is Nowhere Near Open Kpler data cited by Reuters showed just six commodity vessels crossed on Monday.