Iran War: Iran to Trump: "The Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked"

Iran has refuted President Donald Trump's claims that the U.S. has control over the Strait of Hormuz. Despite repeated statements from U.S. officials about lifting the blockade of the strait, Iran's new Strait Authority declared on X that the strait remains closed until Iran's conditions are met. Trump had previously stated that the U.S. had full control over the strait, asserting that it "belongs to us."

Iran has threatened that they might take action against the U.S. once they have the opportunity. Experts note that the number of ship passages through the strait remains low. The UK Maritime Safety Authority reported ongoing attacks and threats by Iran's Revolutionary Guard in the strait, indicating Iran's continued presence and pressure on vessels passing through.

Mines and uncharted obstacles also pose risks. Maritime trade has been significantly reduced. Both Iran and the U.S. are still negotiating for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which includes ending all U.S. threats against Iran, lifting the maritime blockade of Iranian ports, withdrawing U.S. forces from the region, and compensating Iran for war damages.

Prior to the recent war between the U.S. and Iran, begun in late February, maritime traffic in the strait was largely unimpeded, carrying about one-fifth of global oil demand and crucial shipments of liquefied gas and fertilizer. Since the war began, Iran's threats and attacks have nearly halted the shipping traffic, leading to a sharp rise in global oil and gas prices.