Iran Says Strait Of Hormuz Under Its Control And Management, Rejects Trump’s ‘Total Control’ Claim
Our take
The recent assertion by Iran’s paramilitary leadership that the Strait of Hormuz falls under its "management and control" represents a significant escalation in regional tensions and demands careful consideration within the broader context of maritime security. This statement, a direct rebuttal of claims made by former U.S. President Trump, underscores Iran's continued willingness to challenge established norms and assert its influence over this vital waterway. The Strait, a narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is crucial for global energy transport, with roughly a third of the world’s seaborne oil passing through it daily. Recent events highlight the precariousness of this situation; the U.S. Prepared To Maintain Iranian Naval Blockade “Indefinitely,” Pentagon Chief Says, demonstrating the ongoing strategic posturing. Understanding the geopolitical dynamics at play is essential, particularly given the U.S. President Trump Orders Pentagon To Consider Foreign-Built Warships & Steam Catapults, which suggests a potential shift in naval strategy in response to perceived threats.
The implications of Iran’s claim extend far beyond a simple dispute over territorial control. It signals a deliberate effort to exert pressure on international shipping and potentially disrupt the flow of oil, a tactic historically employed to achieve political objectives. The "management and control" terminology is deliberately ambiguous, allowing Iran to maintain plausible deniability while simultaneously asserting a level of authority that could be used to justify interference with commercial vessels. This ambiguity is further compounded by the ongoing anxieties regarding the mental health of personnel aboard U.S. naval vessels, as evidenced by U.S Rejects Reports Of Deaths, Rising Suicide Attempts, Mental Health Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln, which underscores the strain and complexity of prolonged deployments in volatile regions. The potential for miscalculation or accidental escalation is therefore heightened, particularly given the complex interplay of military forces operating in the area.
The historical context is crucial to understanding Iran's motivations. The Strait of Hormuz has been a flashpoint for decades, with previous incidents involving Iranian naval vessels and commercial shipping raising concerns about freedom of navigation. Iran's actions are often viewed through the lens of its broader regional ambitions and its ongoing rivalry with Saudi Arabia and the United States. The current situation is further complicated by the collapse of the Iran nuclear deal and the reimposition of sanctions, which have severely impacted Iran's economy and fueled resentment towards the United States. These economic pressures, combined with a desire to project strength and deter potential adversaries, likely contribute to Iran's assertive stance in the Strait of Hormuz. A nuanced understanding of these factors is vital for formulating effective strategies to mitigate the risks of conflict and ensure the stability of global energy markets.
Looking ahead, the key question becomes whether Iran will translate its claims of "management and control" into concrete actions that directly threaten maritime traffic. The potential for increased Iranian naval activity, including harassment of commercial vessels or the imposition of restrictions on navigation, remains a significant concern. International powers, including the United States, China, and European nations, will need to work collaboratively to de-escalate tensions and ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The effectiveness of diplomatic efforts, combined with a credible demonstration of resolve, will be crucial in preventing a dangerous escalation of the situation and safeguarding the vital flow of energy to the global economy. A continued reliance on naval power, as indicated by the U.S. shipbuilding considerations, will likely characterize the response, but whether this can deter Iran’s ambitions remains to be seen.
Iran has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, saying the strategic waterway remains under Iranian control and that vessels cannot pass without Tehran’s permission.
Hossein Taeb, the recently appointed head of Iran’s paramilitary Basij Organisation, said on Thursday that the Strait of Hormuz was under the “management and control” of the Islamic Republic and that Iran was continuing on its path in complete security, according to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency.
Trump made his claim a day earlier on Truth Social, saying the United States had “total control” of the waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments. Before the war, about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through the waterway.
Iran says vessels need permission to pass
Iran’s joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, said on Thursday that no vessel could pass through the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran’s permission.
It rejected U.S. claims about normal vessel traffic through the strait, calling them “lies and falsehoods” in a statement carried by Iranian state media.
Iran effectively shut the waterway after the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran began on Feb. 28.
The United States later imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports. Washington has said it would protect freedom of navigation for vessels travelling to and from non-Iranian ports.
Iranian officials have repeatedly rejected the U.S. claim of control and have said Tehran intends to impose a toll system on the waterway.
Behnam Saeedi, a member of Iran’s parliament and its National Security Commission, said Israeli ships would not be allowed to pass through the strait under any circumstances, whether during war or peacetime.
He also said U.S. military vessels would be barred from passing through the waterway.
Iran sets conditions for reopening
Senior military political official Rasoul Sanaei-Rad said Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz unless the United States met its commitments under an interim agreement aimed at ending the war, Fars reported.
He said reopening the waterway was not something the United States could do on its own.
Sanaei-Rad also warned that Iran would respond more strongly in any future conflict.
Iran and the United States reached an interim agreement in June that extended a ceasefire which had begun in April and called for a quick return to freedom of navigation in the Gulf.
The agreement later broke down, with both countries accusing each other of violating its terms.
Iran resumed limited attacks on vessels it said were not following the agreement. The United States then restarted strikes on Iran’s southern provinces, saying the strikes were intended to reduce Iran’s ability to target vessels in the Gulf.
Iran accuses US of miscalculation
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also criticised Washington over the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on X, he said the United States had repeatedly miscalculated because of intelligence failures, including when it launched the war on Iran.
He described Washington’s position on the Strait of Hormuz as an even bigger miscalculation.
“Worse than fake news is fake intelligence,” Araghchi said.
Michael Stephens, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute, said Iran was seeking to prolong the war because it believed the economic pressure no longer posed an existential threat to its government.
Iran and Oman discuss new route
Iran and Oman are also discussing a possible new route through the Strait of Hormuz, but the talks have not yet been finalised.
Iran has said that creating an alternative route would not automatically mean the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened.
Mohammad Mokhber, an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Thursday that Mojtaba’s strategy would be “offensive war” if Iran’s conditions were not met.
Mokhber said a new regional order could be supported by a Hormuz economic-security mechanism that would operate independently of U.S. military guarantees. He appeared to be referring to an expected agreement between Iran and Oman to organise transit through the strait.
References: Reuters, Al Jazeera
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