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- By Vaidika Thapa
- Thu, 03 Sep 2026 09:15 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
- Trump proposed renaming Strait of Hormuz to 'Trump Strait'.
- Claimed US control over the strategic shipping route.
- International law complicates renaming a global waterway.
Amid renewed tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump has suggested renaming the strategically important Strait of Hormuz as “Trump Strait.” The proposal comes as the waterway remains a key flashpoint in the ongoing conflict and after Trump has repeatedly raised the idea of US control over the crucial shipping route.
Trump Suggests Renaming Hormuz
In a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, Trump floated the idea of renaming the strategic waterway, claiming that it was now under US control. He wrote, “Now that we have it under U.S.A. control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to TRUMP STRAIT??? Like America itself, it would be “hotter” than ever before! Thank you for your attention to this matter. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
Trump’s Recent Geographic Name Change Push
The White House later backed the suggestion by sharing a map that labelled the waterway “Trump Strait” and added, “It’s got a nice ring to it.” This is not the first time Trump has suggested renaming a waterway or any geographical location. A week earlier, he ordered Lake Ontario to be referred to as “Lake America” amid tensions with Canada. Trump had also moved to rename the Gulf of Mexico as the “Gulf of America” shortly after returning to office in January 2025.
It's got a nice ring to it pic.twitter.com/Fmzc9iUu8u
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) September 2, 2026
Can Trump Rename Hormuz?
The narrow waterway, which connects the Persian Gulf with the wider international shipping network, carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil. However, the situation has changed significantly since the war began in February as the waterway emerged as a major flashpoint in the conflict between the US and Iran. The US Navy blockade and Iranian restrictions have disrupted shipping through the key waterway.
Also, renaming the Strait of Hormuz is far more complicated than changing the name of a geographical location within the US. The strategic waterway is bordered by Iran and Oman and lies outside the US. Both countries exercising sovereignty over their respective territorial waters. Its use is further governed by international maritime law, which protects navigation rights through the strait.
As a result, the US president does not have the same authority over the Strait that the US government has over geographical names within its own federal jurisdiction. While the Trump administration can decide to use “Trump Strait” in US government documents, maps or official communications, it doesn’t mean the world is obliged to follow it.
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