Iran says Strait of Hormuz is under its control, Fars news reports

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global oil and gas shipments, is now firmly under Iranian control, according to the newly appointed head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit, Hossein Taeb. This claim contradicts US President Donald Trump's assertion that the United States maintains "total control" of the strategic passage. Taeb stated that the US attempted to disrupt Iran's influence in the region through another conflict, but failed, emphasizing Iran's continued security and control over the Strait.

Following the initiation of the war on February 28, the Islamic Republic effectively closed the strait, which previously facilitated a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas trade. In response, the US imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports, claiming its intention to safeguard the freedom of navigation for vessels traveling to and from non-Iranian ports.

However, in June, the two nations reached a temporary agreement, declaring a permanent ceasefire and advocating for a return to freedom of navigation in the Gulf. This deal was short-lived, as Iran resumed limited attacks on vessels, leading the US to resume strikes on Iran's southern provinces aimed at weakening Tehran's capacity to target ships in the Gulf.

Taeb further stated that Iran would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz without the other party fulfilling its commitments under the interim agreement. He also warned that Iran would respond more forcefully in any future conflict, stating, "In a possible future war, we will stand more firmly and more offensively."