Iran has firmly rejected a statement attributed to US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran insisting that the strategically important waterway will remain under Iranian control. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the Strait of Hormuz has been, is and will remain Iranian, adding that decisions over opening or closing the waterway would remain under Tehran's authority. The statement came after Trump reportedly said at a political rally in New York on Friday that, after defeating Iran, he would declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory.
A White House official later clarified that Trump's comment was made as a joke.Despite that clarification, the remarks have drawn attention because of the enormous strategic and economic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.
Editorial Insight
Key Highlights
Important points readers should notice.
Iran rejected Trump's reported claim regarding the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said the waterway will remain under Iranian control.
Trump reportedly made the remark during a political rally in New York. A White House official later said Trump's comment was a joke.
Iran has effectively restricted the strait since the West Asia conflict began in late February. Tehran has listed several conditions for reopening the waterway.
Shipping-related incidents continue to add to regional tensions. The UAE has blamed Iran for recent incidents involving its vessels.
Before the conflict, about one-fifth of global oil and LNG exports passed through the strait.
Iran has effectively restricted traffic through the waterway since the West Asia conflict began in late February. Tehran has linked the reopening of the strait to several conditions, including an end to attacks against Iran and its allies, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for wartime damage.
The situation has also affected commercial shipping in the region.
Attacks and security incidents involving vessels have continued, with the United Arab Emirates blaming Iran for recent incidents involving its ships.
Editorial Analysis
Why This Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is not just a regional waterway—it is a critical artery for global energy trade. Any prolonged disruption could increase pressure on oil and gas markets and raise concerns for countries dependent on Gulf energy supplies.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy chokepoints. Before the current conflict, approximately one-fifth of global oil and LNG exports passed through the waterway.
Any prolonged disruption could therefore have consequences well beyond the immediate region, potentially affecting energy markets, shipping costs and global supply chains.The latest exchange between Washington and Tehran comes amid already heightened tensions in West Asia, where military confrontation, sanctions and disputes over energy routes remain closely connected.
For now, Iran continues to assert control over the waterway, while the United States and its allies remain closely focused on maritime security and the uninterrupted movement of commercial shipping.
