On Wednesday, August 12, 2026, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the United States had “full control of the Strait of Hormuz,” adding, “I think we’re going to keep it.”
Iranian military spokesperson Ebrahim Zolfaghari rejected Trump’s claims, describing them as “lies and fabrications” and insisting that the strategic waterway remains under Iran’s control.
“What the United States is saying about ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz normally […] is lies and rumors,” Zolfaghari said.
He said the Strait of Hormuz is “fully controlled and managed by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” adding that no commercial vessel or oil tanker can pass through the waterway without authorization and monitoring by Iranian forces.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. A significant share of global oil shipments passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption there a major concern for international energy markets.
Iran has maintained control over the Strait of Hormuz since its war with the United States began on February 28, 2026. Ships are reportedly required to obtain authorization and make payments before being allowed to pass through the strategic waterway.
On Thursday, Hossein Taeb, commander of Iran’s Basij forces, which operate under the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also said that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iranian control.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi likewise said the United States continues to be mistaken about the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
The conflicting claims highlight the continuing tensions between Tehran and Washington, with control of the waterway emerging as one of the key points of dispute between the two sides.
