Iran announced it has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, according to reports. The United States disputed the claim, stating the waterway remains open for navigation.
Iran today claimed it has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz, a significant escalation in its rhetoric. The United States immediately disputed the claim, asserting the waterway remains open for navigation. This follows a series of Iranian statements earlier today, beginning at 07:37 Jerusalem when the Iranian Army Spokesperson warned of US intervention and later demanded the US cease 'illegal' shipping lanes. By the same hour, the Iranian Persian Gulf Management Authority officially declared passage blocked due to 'illegal activity' by US forces.
Earlier today, at 02:55 Jerusalem, Iran said it closed the strait and struck a vessel after the US requested open passage. The Zioneer has reported over the past weeks on the evolving situation: on Jun 30, the US Energy Secretary acknowledged the strait was effectively closed, with tankers relying on US Navy escort; on Jul 11, the IRGC formally declared a blockade following a US ultimatum, and the US demanded a public Iranian commitment to reopen the strait. On the same day, Iran claimed to have struck a vessel using an unauthorized route.
As The Zioneer reported on Jun 21, analyst Dror Balazada assessed that Iran kept the strait closed from its side while the US left it open. Iranian outlets have consistently contradicted US denials, and the dispute reflects a broader standoff over the strategic waterway through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass.
The actual status of the Strait of Hormuz remains unverified by independent sources. The US insists shipping continues, while Iran maintains it has taken control. No neutral confirmation has emerged, and the Pentagon has not yet issued a formal response to the latest Iranian claim.
5 developments
- ConfirmedNew Iranian body declares Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice
- DevelopingIran says it closed Strait of Hormuz, struck vessel after US requested open passage
- DevelopingIRGC announces temporary closure of Strait of Hormuz, citing 'foreign intervention'
- StrongIranian outlets claim Strait of Hormuz remains closed, contradicting US denials
Source and signal
- Internal intake