Iran has warned that it could shut the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade, sharply escalating tensions over one of the world’s most critical energy routes.
The warning from Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf comes amid mixed signals from Tehran and Washington on the status of the waterway and the broader ceasefire dynamics in the region.
Iran links Hormuz access to US blockade
Responding to remarks by US President Donald Trump that restrictions would remain in “full force”, Ghalibaf said maritime movement through the Strait would be tightly controlled by Iran if the blockade continues.
“With the continuation of the blockade, the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open,” he said, adding that vessels would be allowed passage only through a “designated route” and with “Iranian authorisation”.
Conflicting signals on shipping access
The warning came just hours after Tehran indicated that the Strait remained accessible for commercial shipping under the ongoing ceasefire framework.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said, “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open for the remaining period of the ceasefire, on the coordinated route as already announced by Ports and Maritime Organisation of the Islamic Rep. of Iran.”
Trump insists blockade will continue
From Washington, Trump maintained that the naval blockade would stay in place until a broader “transaction” with Iran is finalised. He indicated that a resolution could come “very quickly”, suggesting that major sticking points had already been addressed.
Rejecting the US position, Ghalibaf said, “They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either. Whether the Strait is open or closed and the regulations governing it will be determined by the field, not by social media.”
He also alleged that Trump had made “seven claims in one hour,” calling all of them “false”, without detailing the statements.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global energy flows, carrying nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption to shipping through the narrow waterway has immediate implications for global markets and energy security.