Traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz remains largely halted, leading to rapid depletion of global oil reserves nearly six months after the US-Iran war began.
The two sides continue to dispute authority over the vital passage. US President Donald Trump has asserted American control, but Iran has rejected the statement.
A senior Iranian official on Thursday dismissed Trump’s claim, insisting the waterway stays under Iranian management. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of repeated miscalculations on the issue.
Hossein Taeb, head of the Basij forces linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, told state television that Iran manages the strait and maintains security.
Trump’s remarks followed his earlier declaration that the US holds total control of the energy route and would retain it, citing a naval blockade described as a wall of steel.
The blockade blocks vessels from Iranian ports on both sides of the strait, sharply reducing Iran’s trade and revenue. Ship crossings have fallen sharply, with just 14 vessels passing on Tuesday versus about 120 per day before the war.
Shipping firms remain wary of safe transit despite US assurances. An Iranian parliamentarian stated that American and Israeli ships would be barred from the waterway at all times.
