(FILES) Vessels are seen anchored in the Strait of Hormuz, off the port city of Khasab on Omans northern Musandam Peninsula on May 17, 2026. Tehran announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz on July 12 and launched missiles and drones at its Gulf neighbours, in retaliation for new US strikes following an attack by Iranian forces on a merchant vessel that was abandoned in flames by its crew. (Photo by AFP) /
Iran on Saturday fired back at US President Donald Trump’s claim that he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz part of US territory, saying the crucial energy waterway it has blockaded “will remain Iranian”.
Trump has repeatedly said the strait, which Tehran effectively closed at the start of the Middle East war in late February, is under US control — an assertion the Islamic republic denies.
“The Strait of Hormuz has been Iranian, is Iranian, and will remain Iranian,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on X.
“This strait will only be closed and opened under Iran’s command.”
