The official Tehran reacted sharply to the unprecedented statement by US President Donald Trump about the intention to declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory. Kazem Garibabadi, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, called the words of the White House chief «fantastic illusions» and emphasized that the strategic artery will remain under the control of the Islamic Republic.
«Fantastic nonsense» from Washington
The conflict flared up with renewed force after Donald Trump's Friday speech at a rally in Nassau County (New York State). The American leader stated that Iran is on the verge of total defeat in the war that has been going on for six months, and the US Navy has erected a «Steel Wall» in the gulf. «Pretty soon, after we finish defeating Iran, I will declare the Strait of Hormuz territory of the United States. No ship will pass unless we want it to», — Trump proclaimed, drawing applause from supporters.
The response from Iran followed immediately on Saturday, August 15, 2026. «The Strait of Hormuz cannot be captured neither by a tweet, nor by an aircraft carrier, nor by an executive order, nor by a campaign speech», — Garibabadi wrote on the social network X. He added that Tehran will continue to keep the strait closed to undesirable ships until the US «acknowledges the reality of its strategic defeat and stops the nonsense».
Struggle for 20% of world oil and American tariffs
The verbal exchange between leaders is taking place against the backdrop of a severe global energy crisis. Due to a six-month naval blockade and regular mutual strikes, the movement of tankers through the Hormuz, which previously accounted for up to 20% of global oil and liquefied gas supplies, has practically stopped. Recently, Trump claimed that the US Navy had completely cleared the waters of Iranian mines and controls them «100%», which the central military command of Iran categorically denies.
In addition to territorial claims, Trump previously announced a plan to turn the US into the «main guardian» of the region and introduce a 20% fee on all commercial ships passing through Hormuz. International lawyers call these intentions illegal, reminding that the status of the strait as an international route is protected by UN conventions. Nevertheless, the White House continues to push the line of escalation: the day before, Defense Minister Pete Hegseth confirmed the readiness to maintain the naval blockade of Iran «indefinitely», replacing aircraft carrier groups in a rotation mode.
Contradictory data
There is a significant gap between the statements of the parties regarding actual control over the strait. The US administration claims that the mine-clearing operation is complete and the «Steel Wall» completely blocks Iranian capabilities. At the same time, Iranian officials state that their naval forces continue to control traffic and that US attempts to impose a blockade have failed. Experts note that there is currently no independent confirmation of a complete halt to shipping, however, energy prices indicate a critical shortage.
