Iran reasserts its right to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz after ship hit near Oman

Tehran has forcefully reasserted its authority over shipping in the critical Strait of Hormuz, issuing a stern warning to Gulf states against aligning with the United States. This move comes just a day after a joint statement by the US and six Gulf nations challenged Iran's assertions of control over the vital waterway.

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Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes or decision-making that does not take Iran's role as a coastal state into account.

Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on X that "Safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz cannot be guaranteed under ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes or decision-making that does not take Iran's role as a coastal state into account." This declaration directly counters the US-Gulf statement, which rejected Iran's insistence on its right to impose tolls on vessels transiting the strait.

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We are aware of these reports and looking into them. President (Donald Trump) has been clear that Iran cannot subvert the free flow of traffic in the Strait.

Underscoring the volatile situation, Iranian state television reported that three foreign tankers attempting an "unauthorized passage" were turned back by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Meanwhile, a US official confirmed awareness of the reports and stated that President Trump remains firm on ensuring the free flow of traffic. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, concluding a regional tour, had previously warned of "a problem" if Iran threatened or blocked ships.

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we're going to have a problem.

In response to the US-Gulf Cooperation Council's call for "free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation," Iran's foreign ministry blamed the US military presence for regional insecurity. They reiterated that the strait should be governed by Iran and Oman, in line with the terms of a preliminary deal. The ongoing dispute has impacted oil prices, which dropped significantly, despite Saudi Aramco resuming crude loadings at its Ras Tanura terminal.

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free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation