An Iranian government-linked social media account posted a map on Tuesday depicting California as its “new territory,” apparently in response to US President Donald Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz would become “NEW U.S. Territory” after the conflict.

Trump shared the image on his Truth Social account earlier Tuesday, showing a map of the Strait of Hormuz circled beneath the words "NEW U.S. Territory," which the White House subsequently reposted on its official X account. In retaliation, the Iran in Hyderabad account posted a map of the US with California highlighted in blue alongside the caption claiming it as Iranian territory, Yeni Şafak reported.

Tehran Issues Warning to Trump

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, sharply criticized Trump's territorial claim in a post on X. "His delusion regarding the Strait of Hormuz will soon either be corrected, or we will correct the delusions of this delusional man," he said, escalating the rhetorical confrontation between the two capitals.

California's Iranian Diaspora Ties

California hosts the largest concentration of people of Iranian descent outside Iran, with approximately 141,000 Iranian Americans residing in Los Angeles County, according to data from UCLA's Center for Near Eastern Studies. The community expanded significantly following Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, establishing Westwood - commonly known as "Tehrangeles" - as a major center of diaspora life.

Post-War Talks Remain Deadlocked

The exchange occurs amid heightened tensions following months of conflict between Tehran and Washington. The two nations signed a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at ending the war, but subsequent talks have stalled over disputes regarding implementation and navigation rights through the Hormuz waterway. Negotiations between Iran and Oman over navigation arrangements have continued without producing a breakthrough.