Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian

Iran on Friday firmly rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s suggestion that he would declare the Strait of Hormuz American territory after what he called the defeat of Iran, asserting that the critical waterway remains under Iranian control and will stay that way.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi responded directly on social media to Trump’s remarks, made at a rally on Long Island, New York. Trump told supporters: “After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States.” He added that the U.S. already effectively controls the strait through a blockade, with no ships passing unless Washington allows it.

Gharibabadi pushed back sharply. “Trump has said that after Iran’s defeat, he will soon declare the Strait of Hormuz as US territory! The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by tweet, nor by aircraft carrier, nor by issuing an order, nor by an election speech. Iran neither fears threats nor cowers before displays of power,” he wrote.

He continued: “Once and for all, accept the reality: up to this point, you have suffered strategic and heavy defeats; the Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian; this strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command, and as long as you do not accept the reality of defeat and cease your fanciful delusions, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade.”

The exchange comes amid a prolonged standoff over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally passes. Iran has maintained that it controls shipping in the waterway and has kept it largely restricted, insisting it will reopen only when its conditions ,  including an end to hostilities, release of frozen assets, and broader regional understandings — are met. U.S. officials have repeatedly claimed progress or control, claims Tehran has dismissed as disconnected from reality.

Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority reiterated that the waterway remains blocked regardless of American statements. Shipping volumes through the strait have fallen sharply in recent months amid the wider conflict that began earlier in 2026.

Trump’s comments also touched on economic pressure, with reports that the administration plans additional measures against Iran. Iranian officials, including Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, have indicated that while mediators remain in contact, no formal talks with the United States are currently underway.