New Delhi, March 15: A senior Iranian military official has confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil transport, remains open and under Iran’s control. This statement comes at a time of escalating tensions with the United States and its allies.
Ali Reza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, stated that claims made by the U.S. are inaccurate. The U.S. has asserted that it has destroyed Iran’s navy and can ensure safe passage for oil tankers. However, Tangsiri refuted these claims, as reported by China’s Xinhua news agency, citing Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.
He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz has not been militarily closed; rather, it is solely under Iranian control.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi echoed this sentiment, telling U.S. media that the maritime route is open for international vessels, except for those from the U.S., Israel, and their allies.
“The Strait of Hormuz is open. It is only closed to the ships and tankers of our enemies, those countries that are attacking us and their allies. All other vessels can pass through,” Araghchi stated.
The Strait of Hormuz is a strategically vital maritime corridor, with nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil passing through it. Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has indicated that Iran will maintain its influence over this crucial route.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has called on countries that import oil through this route to take responsibility for keeping it open, assuring them of U.S. support.
The U.S. is currently attempting to mitigate rising oil prices. Recently, the U.S. and Israel conducted joint strikes against Iran, prompting Iran to retaliate against U.S. bases in the region.
In a statement on social media, Trump urged affected nations to collaborate with the U.S. military to ensure the security of this maritime route.
He wrote, “Many countries, especially those that may be impacted by Iran’s attempts to close the Strait of Hormuz, will send their warships to work with the U.S. to keep this route safe and open.”
Trump also claimed that U.S. actions have significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities.
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