Iran says Strait of Hormuz belongs to it, rebukes Trump

2026-08-15

Claims ownership of Strait of Hormuz

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Garibabadi said on the 15th that the Strait of Hormuz 'will remain Iran's,' pushing back against U.S. President Trump's comment that he would soon declare the strait to be U.S. territory.

In a post on X, he stressed that carriers, orders or speeches cannot take the Strait of Hormuz. He said closure and opening are carried out only under Iranian command, and also argued that the blockade would continue unless the United States acknowledged a strategic defeat.

Talks and transit in focus

According to Iranian media, the Iranian foreign ministry spokesman said on the 15th that Iran and Oman had agreed on a new route through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the two countries' talks had made progress despite U.S. interference.

Trump said on the 14th in a speech to supporters in New York state that he intended to declare the Strait of Hormuz U.S. territory soon. He said it was effectively already that, and added that U.S. military blockade measures on Iranian ports could not be stopped.

June memorandum nears deadline

Under a memorandum signed by the United States and Iran on June 17, the 60-day negotiating deadline aimed at a final agreement is approaching. The memorandum includes opening the Strait of Hormuz, but continued interference with vessel passage and sporadic fighting have made it increasingly hollow.

Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi told local media on the 15th that no decision had been made to resume talks with the United States. He also said the United States would need to meet conditions for transit through the Strait of Hormuz to resume.

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