Iran Reasserts Control Over Strait of Hormuz After Trump Claims

Iranian commander Hussein Taib of the semi‑military Basij forces declared that the Strait of Hormuz is "under the management and control of the Islamic Republic," responding to a tweet by U.S. President Donald Trump claiming full American control over the strategic waterway.

Taib’s statements and conflict details

Taib said the United States attempted to undermine Iran’s regional influence by launching "another war" on the strait, adding that Tehran still possesses sufficient air and naval capabilities to counter any threat. He warned that any effort to weaken Iran’s position would end in "defeat."

Trump, on his Truth Social platform, asserted that the United States maintains "complete control" over the strait and will retain that authority despite Iranian pressure.

Background and developments

Tensions escalated after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets on 28 February, prompting Tehran to effectively close the strait—a channel through which roughly one‑fifth of global oil and LNG supplies pass. The United States then imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, stating it would protect free navigation for non‑Iranian vessels.

In June, both sides reached a temporary cease‑fire agreement to reopen the strait, but it collapsed weeks later when Iran launched limited attacks on ships deemed to violate the arrangement, leading the U.S. to resume strikes on Iran’s southern coast.

Additional Iranian viewpoints

Military‑political figure Rasoul Sanaei Radd warned that reopening the strait cannot occur unless the other side fulfills its obligations under the temporary deal, cautioning that any breach would provoke a stronger Iranian response. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghaji also criticized Trump’s remarks as a "gross miscalculation."

Simultaneously, Iranian state media mocked Trump after reports that he secretly switched aircraft during his Turkey visit, interpreting the move as evidence of his fear of Iran’s military power.

The future of the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point in the regional power struggle, with the United States and Iran vying for dominance over one of the world’s most vital maritime passages.