US President Donald Trump claimed on Tuesday that the United States currently has "total control" over the strategic Strait of Hormuz while reiterating his deep distrust of Tehran.
Speaking to reporters in Maryland, Trump stated, "We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now... We own it" adding that Iranian officials have "lied to me constantly."
However, this assertion sharply contrasts with statements from Tehran. Mohsen Rezaei, the newly appointed head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council affirmed that the vital waterway will remain closed until Washington meets specific demands. In a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Tehran, Zong Piyu, Rezaei emphasized that the US must end its regional military operations and agree to a ceasefire spanning Gaza and Lebanon and release Iran's frozen assets.
"As long as the US does not change its behavior and accept Iran's conditions and the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened" Rezaei stated with a position he later reinforced on social media.
The ongoing closure of the strait, a critical global maritime choke point, continues to severely disrupt international supply chains and drive up global energy and fertilizer prices. While Washington and Tehran briefly reached a memorandum of understanding in June to normalize maritime transit, the deal collapsed after Iran accused the US of violating its terms.
Amid these tensions, Tehran continues to strengthen its strategic ties with Beijing. Rezaei praised China's diplomatic support at the UN Security Council while Ambassador Zong reiterated China's opposition to US and Israeli military actions against Iran, emphasizing the strong bilateral partnership between their nations.
