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Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz, Denies U.S. Blockade Claims

A senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard commander states the Strait of Hormuz remains open but is under Iran's control, refuting U.S. claims about destroying Iran's navy. Iran's foreign minister clarifies the strait is only closed to vessels from the U.S., Israel, and their allies, while international shipping continues. The statement comes as U.S. President Donald Trump urges affected nations to help secure the vital waterway alongside American forces. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global oil transit route, with tensions escalating following U.S.-Israeli attacks and Iranian retaliations.

Key Points: Iran Says Strait of Hormuz Open But Under Its Control

  • Strait remains open for shipping
  • Iran denies U.S. military claims
  • Only blocks U.S., Israeli, allied vessels
  • U.S. calls for allied patrols
  • Strategic chokepoint for global oil
2 min read

Strait of Hormuz not closed but under Iran's control: IRGC commander

Iranian commanders assert control over the vital oil shipping lane, denying U.S. claims of destroying its navy and vowing to block enemy vessels.

"The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies. - Abbas Araghchi"

Cairo, March 15

The Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil shipping route, remains open and under Iranian control, a senior Iranian commander said, amid rising tensions with the United States and its allies.

Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, said in a statement that claims by the United States about destroying Iran's navy or providing safe escort for oil tankers were false, Xinhua news agency reported quoting Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.

"The Strait of Hormuz has not been militarily blocked and is merely under control," the statement said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed the message, telling US media that the strait remained open for international shipping except for vessels belonging to the United States, Israel, and their allies.

"The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the tankers and ships belonging to our enemies, to those who are attacking us and their allies. Others are free to pass," Araghchi said.

The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world's oil passes. In his first message as Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei pledged to maintain leverage over the Strait of Hormuz.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged countries dependent on oil shipments through the strait to take responsibility for keeping it open, with American assistance. Washington has been trying to ease high oil prices amid the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran, triggering Iran's retaliations on US assets across the region.

In a statement posted on social media, Trump said nations affected by potential disruptions in the waterway should help secure it alongside US forces.

"Many countries, especially those who are affected by Iran's attempted closure of the Hormuz Strait, will be sending war ships, in conjunction with the United States of America, to keep the Strait open and safe," he wrote.

The President also claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been severely degraded by US actions.

"We have already destroyed 100 per cent of Iran's Military capability, but it's easy for them to send a drone or two, drop a mine, or deliver a close range missile somewhere along, or in, this Waterway, no matter how badly defeated they are," Trump said.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The posturing from both sides is dangerous. Trump's claim of destroying 100% of Iran's military is clearly an exaggeration meant for domestic audience. The reality is this chokepoint is a tinderbox. The world can't afford a miscalculation.
A
Arjun K
Iran is within its rights to control its territorial waters. The US can't police the entire world. However, blocking straits for specific countries sets a risky precedent. India must navigate this carefully to protect its energy security and good relations with all parties.
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Priyanka N
Feeling anxious reading this. Petrol prices are already so high in Mumbai. If there's any disruption, it will hit our economy hard. Our government should have a solid backup plan and maybe accelerate talks with other oil suppliers. 🙏
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Vikram M
Respectfully, I think the article could provide more context on India's position. We have significant interests with both the US and Iran (Chabahar port). The focus is all on the two antagonists, but countries like India, China, and Japan are the ones who will feel the real pain.
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David E
The statement "under Iran's control" is the key takeaway. It's a clear message of sovereignty and a warning. The US asking other nations to send warships is just escalating. This needs de-escalation, not more military vessels.

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