As tensions between Washington and Tehran rise over the Strait of Hormuz, an official Iranian social media account responded to U.S. President Donald Trump’s post with a map of California.
On Tuesday, Trump published a map depicting the Strait of Hormuz on his Truth Social account. The map described the strategic waterway as “new U.S. territory.” The White House also reposted the post from its official account on X.
Iranian account marks California
Iran’s official account in Hyderabad shared an image on X showing California in blue on a map of the United States. The image presented California as the “new territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran.”
Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi also criticized Trump’s post about the Strait of Hormuz. Gharibabadi argued that Iran would correct the situation if no correction were made regarding the approach.
Iranian-origin population in California
California, particularly the area around Los Angeles, is home to the largest concentration of people of Iranian origin outside Iran. Approximately 141,000 Iranian Americans are estimated to live in Los Angeles County.
The Iranian community in Southern California grew significantly after Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Westwood area of Los Angeles became one of the centers of life for the Iranian diaspora and came to be known as “Tehran Angeles.”
Negotiations over the Strait of Hormuz
The exchanges between Trump and Iran came as tensions between Tehran and Washington increased following months of conflict.
Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding in June to end the war and pave the way for a more comprehensive agreement. However, disagreements over implementation and passage through the Strait of Hormuz prevented the talks from moving forward.
Negotiations between Iran and Oman over navigation arrangements on the strategic waterway are continuing without reaching a result.
Maria Nica / Editor
