Iran Disputes Trump’s Hormuz Control Claims Amid Reduced Strait Traffic

POLICY WIRE — Tehran, Iran — Iran has firmly rejected claims by US President Donald Trump that the US has ‘total control’ over the Strait of Hormuz. Trump asserted that the Iranian navy has been effectively neutralized and is incapable of enforcing a closure of the critical maritime route.

In a televised address, Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif stated, “The notion that the US has total control over the Strait of Hormuz is unfounded and dangerous. It undermines the principles of international law and the freedom of navigation.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is vital for global oil shipments. Recent data indicates that traffic through the strait has decreased to its lowest level in three months, raising concerns about the stability of international oil supplies.

The US has increased its military presence in the region in response to heightened tensions, deploying additional naval assets to ensure the safety of commercial shipping. However, Iran has warned against any US attempts to interfere with its maritime activities, emphasizing its right to defend its territorial waters.

This dispute comes amid broader geopolitical tensions between the US and Iran, which have escalated following the US withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. The situation remains fluid, with both nations engaging in a war of words while maintaining a robust military posture in the region.

Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)