Iran warns it controls Strait of Hormuz, rejects Trump's claims

Iran has issued a stern warning against any external interference in the Strait of Hormuz, asserting its complete control over the crucial waterway. Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran's deputy foreign minister for legal and international affairs, directly responded to U.S. President Donald Trump's recent statements, emphasizing that the strait "cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier." He declared that the strait "was, is, and will continue to be Iranian" and threatened that it "will be closed and opened only by Iran's orders."

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The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech.

Iranian authorities stated that any external attempt to control the region would be met with forceful measures. The Strait of Hormuz, situated between Iran and Oman, is a vital global chokepoint for oil and gas transportation. Its control has historically been a source of contention and tension between Washington and Tehran, particularly amidst recent military escalations.

In parallel, Iranian and Omani representatives are engaged in discussions about potentially co-managing the strait and establishing an alternative shipping route. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that these negotiations "could be completed soon" and clarified they are "completely separate" from any dialogue with the United States. Countries like Qatar and Pakistan are reportedly acting as intermediaries.

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it was, is, and will continue to be Iranian.

The context for these developments includes President Trump's recent remarks in New York, where he stated, "Very soon I will declare the Strait of Hormuz United States territory. It's true." The U.S. President linked this declaration to military action in the region, claiming, "Iran is suffering a very hard defeat. No ship can pass unless we want them to."

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this strait will be closed and opened only by Iran's orders.

The military presence in the area remains heightened. The aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, stationed there since 2025, is slated to be replaced by the USS George Washington. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the duration of operations and downplayed reports of crew issues.

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could be completed soon