Iran Rejects Trump Claims of US Control Over Strait of Hormuz

Robert Murrett, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral, states Iran's cheap, affordable weapons help maintain the Strait of Hormuz threat.

Iran's central military command spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, rejected US President Donald Trump's claims of US control over the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, calling them nothing more than lies and fabrications. Zolfaghari asserted the Strait of Hormuz remains under the complete management and control of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He added that no commercial ship or tanker can pass without permission and supervision from Iranian armed forces.

On Wednesday, President Trump claimed on Truth Social that the US has total control over the Strait of Hormuz and stated, "I THINK WE WILL KEEP IT!" He also described the US Naval Blockade as "A WALL OF STEEL." Trump had previously stated Tuesday night that the US has total control and "We own it."

Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb, head of Iran's paramilitary Basij forces, also said the Strait of Hormuz is under Iran's control and management. Iran's joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, stated no vessel can transit without Tehran's permission. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the United States has miscalculated on the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has maintained control of Hormuz since the war outbreak on February 28, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees.

Before the war, a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transited the strait. The US subsequently imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports. Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is near a three-month low, with a five-day average of around 13 vessels on Tuesday, down from over 100 vessels a day before the conflict.

Bret Baier reported that traffic has slowed to a trickle, with eight vessels crossing Monday and 14 on Tuesday. The International Energy Agency reports global crude oil inventories fell by 2.2 million barrels a day in July. The Energy Information Administration raised its forecast for the average price of a gallon of gasoline by 14 cents and Brent Crude from $82 to $87 a barrel for 2026.