A senior Iranian military commander reaffirmed on Saturday that the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping corridor, remains open but firmly under Iran's control. Alireza Tangsiri, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, dismissed U.S. claims of neutralizing Iran's naval capabilities as "false," emphasizing that the strategic waterway "has not been militarily blocked" despite escalating regional friction.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that while the strait remains accessible for international shipping, vessels affiliated with the U.S., Israel, and their allies are barred. "Others are free to pass," Araghchi stated, underscoring Tehran's selective enforcement amid heightened U.S.-Iran hostilities.
The strait, through which 20% of global oil shipments flow, has become a focal point of geopolitical tensions. Newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei recently pledged to maintain Iran's leverage over the channel, while U.S. President Donald Trump urged oil-dependent nations to collaborate with Washington to ensure its security.
Analysts warn that continued clashes between U.S.-Israeli operations and Iranian retaliatory measures could destabilize energy markets already grappling with price volatility. The IRGC's latest statements signal Tehran's intent to project strength while avoiding full-scale closure of the economically vital route.
