WASHINGTON — Donald Trump has once again ignited geopolitical controversy after sharing an image linking the critical Strait of Hormuz with official U.S. territories and Pacific states.

The social media post follows recent public remarks where Trump repeatedly asserted that the energy-rich maritime corridor, essential for global oil shipments, should fall under American control.

International observers and defense analysts warn that such provocative rhetoric risks further destabilizing relations across the sensitive Persian Gulf shipping passage.