Iran counters Trump, says it manages Strait of Hormuz

Iran has fired back at US President Donald Trump’s claim that Washington has “total control” of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, insisting that the vital waterway remains under Tehran’s “control and management.”

According to Reuters, Iran’s Basij paramilitary chief, Hossein Taeb, made the declaration on Thursday, August 13, saying attempts to undermine Iran’s influence over the strait had failed.

The remarks directly challenge Trump’s latest position on the strategically important passage, setting up a fresh war of words between Washington and Tehran over one of the world’s most critical oil-shipping routes.

Al Jazeera reports that Iran has also insisted the strait will remain closed until the United States meets its demands and changes what Tehran describes as its behaviour toward Iran.

The standoff comes as negotiations over the future of shipping through Hormuz remain tense. Other media outlets reports that Tehran has issued tough conditions for reopening the waterway, while diplomatic efforts continue.

With the Strait of Hormuz carrying a significant share of global energy shipments, the competing claims between Iran and the US could have major consequences for international oil prices and global trade.

So, who really controls the Strait of Hormuz — Iran or the United States?