**Iran Dismisses Trump's Claims Over Strait of Hormuz Control**
The Iranian Foreign Ministry has firmly asserted that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under Iran's control, responding to recent statements made by former President Donald Trump. Trump had indicated plans to declare the strategic waterway a "territory of the US," a claim that Iran has labeled as "fanciful delusions."
In a statement posted on social media, Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz has historically been and will continue to be Iranian territory. He urged the United States to "stop indulging in delusions," and reiterated that the waterway would only be opened or closed at Iran's discretion. Gharibabadi remarked, “Once and for all, accept the reality: up to this point, you have suffered strategic and heavy defeats.”
The backdrop to this exchange includes heightened tensions following US-Israeli military actions against Iran in late February, which prompted Tehran to close the strait. In retaliation, the United States imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports, significantly disrupting traffic through this critical energy corridor. The blockade initially caused global oil prices to surge, reaching as high as $120 per barrel.
Gharibabadi further stated that control over the Strait of Hormuz cannot be established through social media declarations or military might, asserting that Iran is undeterred by threats or displays of power. His comments reflect Iran's broader stance on its sovereignty over the region amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions.
In a recent speech at a police academy in Nassau County, New York, Trump claimed that Iran was facing significant defeats and suggested that once the US secured victory, he would declare the Strait of Hormuz a US territory. This rhetoric has been met with skepticism from Iranian officials, who have outlined specific conditions for any potential reopening of the strait. These conditions include compensation for war damages, the lifting of sanctions, the release of frozen Iranian assets, and a permanent cessation of hostilities against Iran and its allies.
The situation remains complex, as Trump has indicated that his administration is not in a hurry to finalize an agreement. In an interview with Axios, he described the ongoing negotiations as "low-key," allowing economic pressure on Iran to intensify. This comes after weeks of stalled discussions over a 14-point memorandum of understanding aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire and gradually lifting the US blockade on Iranian ports.
Despite these negotiations, fighting resumed in July when both parties failed to reach a consensus on the implementation of the proposed deal. The ongoing friction highlights the challenges in US-Iran relations, particularly concerning the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil trade passes.
As the situation develops, both Iran and the United States appear entrenched in their positions, with Iran asserting its control over the Strait of Hormuz and the US maintaining its stance on economic pressure and military readiness in the region. The future of the waterway, and the broader implications for regional stability, remain uncertain as diplomatic efforts continue to unfold.