The war of words between Iran and the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz continued to intensify this week, with both nations asserting exclusive authority over the strategically vital waterway.
In a move widely seen as provocative toward Tehran, former President Donald Trump released a striking image via his Truth Social platform, reasserting American claims over the strait. The photo showed a map of the Hormuz region labeled “Hormuz… America’s newest territory.” The post comes as the United States continues to enforce a blockade in the strait and intercept Iranian vessels attempting to pass through.
Iran Holds Firm on Demands
Responding to the escalating rhetoric, Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf reiterated on Tuesday that Tehran will not relinquish its grip on the strait until a specific set of conditions is met.
“As per the agreement, the blockade must be lifted. Frozen assets must be released. Sanctions on oil must be removed, and military actions must come to an end,” Ghalibaf said. “Until then, we will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”
Deadly Strike on Commercial Vessel
Adding to the volatility, a commercial vessel came under attack in the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, according to maritime security sources. An unidentified missile or drone struck the ship, destroying its engine room. The UK Maritime Trade Operations organization (UKMTO) confirmed that one crew member was killed in the incident, while Omani Coast Guard personnel were deployed to assist in evacuating the remaining crew.
Authorities have not yet identified those responsible for the strike. The attack occurred against the backdrop of sharply rising tensions between Iran and the United States, further unsettling regional and global markets.
Iranian military spokesperson Ibrahim Zolfaghari recently stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains under the full control of Iran’s armed forces, warning that no vessel may cross without adhering to Iran’s stipulated regulations and prior clearance.
Global Shipping Disrupted
Before hostilities between Iran and the US escalated, nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and natural gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Vessel traffic through the corridor has now slowed to a near standstill — maritime sources reported that only three ships transited the route on Sunday, underscoring the scale of disruption to global energy supply chains.