- Iranian Military Spokesman Says Commercial Vessels Require Tehran’s Permission to Transit
TEHRAN: Iran has rejected US claims of having “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, with an Iranian military spokesman asserting that Tehran maintains full authority over the strategically vital waterway.
Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesman for the central headquarters of Iran’s Armed Forces, dismissed US statements regarding unrestricted navigation through the strait as false and insisted that commercial vessels and oil tankers cannot safely transit the waterway without the permission and supervision of Iranian forces.
“US claims that ships can pass freely through the Strait of Hormuz” are false and fabricated, Zolfaghari said, according to Iran’s SNN television channel. He maintained that Iran has “full control” over the strait and that no commercial vessel or tanker has been, or will be, able to pass through safely without authorization and oversight from Iranian armed forces.
Trump Claims US Has “Total Control”
The Iranian statement came a day after US President Donald Trump declared that the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz and would maintain that control in the future.
The sharply conflicting claims underscore escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran over one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical to Global Energy Security
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is a crucial route for international energy supplies, particularly oil and liquefied natural gas shipments from the Gulf region.
Any disruption to commercial navigation through the strait could have significant implications for global energy markets, international shipping and regional security.
The competing statements from Iran and the United States have further heightened uncertainty surrounding maritime traffic and security in the Gulf, as both sides seek to demonstrate their ability to influence access through the strategic waterway.
BY: The Times Union
