Iran asserts control over Strait of Hormuz after Trump's territorial claim

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi stated on X that the strait has always been and will continue to be Iranian, and its closure and opening are under Iran's command. Trump had made the claim at a political rally in New York, though an unnamed White House official later clarified it was a joke. Attacks in the Strait of Hormuz have continued, with the UAE's ADNOC reporting an attack on one of its vessels and blaming Iran's Revolutionary Guards for "acts of piracy."

Iran had previously set conditions for reopening the strait, including an end to the war and aggression against Iran and its allies, an end to sanctions, release of frozen assets, and compensation for wartime damage. The closure of the strait, which previously handled a significant portion of global oil and LNG exports, has led to surging prices and political pressure. Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen have also imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi ports in the Red Sea.

A June deal between Washington and Tehran had outlined discussions for the strait's future arrangements involving Iran, Oman, and other Gulf countries. The US has also imposed a retaliatory blockade on Iranian ports. US Vice President JD Vance indicated that keeping energy prices low for Americans is Washington's top priority in the Iran war.