The Strait of Hormuz is under Iran’s control and management,
Hossein Taeb, the head of Iran’s Basij paramilitary unit, stated, according to the NDTV report. Taeb asserted that the United States had attempted to undermine the Islamic Republic’s regional popularity by initiating another conflict in the waterway, but claimed Washington was defeated despite assertions that Tehran lacked an air force or navy. He maintained that Iran was proceeding on its course in complete security.
Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid Conflicting Statements
The declaration followed a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform asserting that the United States held total control
of the strategic route. Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, stated that the waterway would remain closed until the United States alters its behavior and meets Tehran’s conditions. Rezaei asserted that Washington must end the war, pay Iran’s frozen assets, and halt the conflict throughout the region, including in Lebanon and Gaza. Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, also stated on X that punishment of the aggressor continues and the strait will remain closed until Iranian conditions are satisfied.
Negotiations and Conditions Surrounding the Waterway
Iranian officials have drawn a distinction between potential transit agreements and the full reopening of the corridor. Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s foreign minister, reported to the cabinet that negotiations with Oman concerning a new maritime route through the strait were entering their final stages and moving toward finalization. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei explained that Tehran and Muscat were close to agreeing on a route that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards national interests and security, noting that the understanding is separate from whether the Strait of Hormuz is reopened or remains closed.
Baghaei blamed the United States for the closure, pointing to Washington’s alleged breach of commitments, naval blockades, and hostile measures. Before rhetoric escalated, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif noted that signals suggested the sides were close to an arrangement to reopen the passage. Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, following initial strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28. In response, Iran has targeted assets and infrastructure in Oman, Jordan, Kuwait, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic Messaging and Regional Stances
President Donald Trump stated that the United States and Israel had agreed to halt new attacks on Iran provided a rapid peace deal is reached, noting that he agreed to hold off on new strikes following requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries. Meanwhile, indirect talks in Doha involving Qatari and Pakistani mediators focused on maritime traffic in the strait and unfreezing Iranian funds. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi led the Iranian delegation in those discussions.
Iranian officials have previously stated an intention to assess tolls on shipping once an initial toll-free period expires. Concurrently, reports of new attacks on shipping in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea have underscored ongoing risks to maritime trade. According to telegraphindia.com, a vessel was struck by a U.S. military helicopter after its crew ignored warnings from personnel enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which the U.S. initially established in April and reimposed in July after a June peace accord dissolved.
