Tehran billboard targets Trump with Strait of Hormuz image amid tensions: ‘At the breaking point’
TEHRAN, IRAN: A striking new billboard in Tehran is turning heads and raising eyebrows as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to simmer.
The massive display, unveiled on Saturday, May 2, features President Donald Trump’s face overlaid with a powerful image of the Strait of Hormuz, sending a clear message at a time when both countries remain on edge.
The building-sized visual shows the narrow waterway stretched across Trump’s face, appearing almost like it has been stitched shut between his nose and upper lip. Alongside the image, a short line reads: “At the Breaking Point,” written in both Farsi and English.
Tehran billboard highlights Strait of Hormuz amid US-Iran tensions
The building-sized visual shows the narrow waterway stretched across Trump’s face, appearing almost like it has been stitched shut between his nose and upper lip. Alongside the image, a short line reads: “At the Breaking Point,” written in both Farsi and English.
The timing of the display is hard to ignore. It comes as the US and Iran continue to exchange warnings over the possibility of renewed military conflict, even as a fragile ceasefire still holds.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes, sits at the center of this visual message. At its narrowest point, the strait is just 21 miles wide, but its importance stretches far beyond its size.
In the billboard, the waterway is shown as being choked or sealed, a clear reference to the ongoing tensions surrounding control of the route. The imagery suggests pressure, not just political, but economic, as both sides continue to push against each other.
This is not just about visuals. The strait has become a key point in the conflict, especially when it comes to oil and global trade. Any disruption there has ripple effects across the world.
Iran ramps up anti-US messaging amid rising tensions
The billboard is just the latest example of how Tehran is using public messaging to make its stance clear.
For years, the regime has relied on strong visuals and sharp language to respond to the US, and that approach has not changed.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei recently referred to the US as the “great Satan” in a written statement, continuing a long-standing line used by the leadership.
His remarks came as tensions remained high following weeks of conflict that began earlier this year.
The war, which started with a joint US-Israeli strike on February 28, has left both sides locked in a tense standoff. Even though a ceasefire is in place, the situation remains far from stable.
Oil prices surge as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
Beyond the messaging, the situation around the Strait of Hormuz is having a real economic impact. Iran has reportedly threatened ships passing through the waterway and demanded payments for safe passage.
This so-called “toll” system has drawn strong pushback from the US and international bodies, which argue that such a move cannot be allowed on a global shipping route.
The near closure of the strait has already sent oil prices soaring. Reports indicate prices have climbed above $116 per barrel, a sharp jump since the conflict began.
Another billboard spotted inside Tehran’s subway takes a different but equally bold approach.
It shows Trump kneeling with his head bowed, holding out cash in his hand.
The message alongside it suggests Iran could earn as much as $110 billion a year by charging ships to pass through the strait.
