Amid escalating geopolitical tensions, Iranian military leadership has declared the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains operational while firmly under Tehran’s jurisdiction. Alireza Tangsiri, Commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy, explicitly refuted claims by the United States regarding the destruction of Iran’s naval capabilities or providing secure passage for oil tankers through the critical waterway.
The senior commander emphasized through Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency that while the strait maintains operational status, it remains subject to Iranian authority. This statement comes as a direct response to recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iranian interests, which have triggered reciprocal measures from Tehran targeting American assets throughout the region.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reinforced this position in communications with U.S. media outlets, clarifying that maritime access remains unrestricted for international shipping except for vessels affiliated with the United States, Israel, and their allied nations. “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 stated.
The strategic significance of this narrow passage cannot be overstated, with approximately 20% of global oil shipments traversing through this chokepoint. The situation has drawn international attention following Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s inaugural message pledging to maintain Iranian influence over the vital shipping lane.
Concurrently, U.S. President Donald Trump has called upon nations dependent on Hormuz oil shipments to assume greater responsibility for maintaining nautical access with American support. This development occurs against a backdrop of Washington’s efforts to stabilize soaring oil prices resulting from recent military confrontations.