Iran Rejects Agreement, Demands Control Over Strait of Hormuz Amid US Threats

Iranian officials have openly defied a recent ceasefire agreement with the United States, asserting exclusive control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Ibrahim Razai, spokesperson for Iran's National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, declared on social media that the strait "will not return to its previous state" and warned that the world must submit to Iran's directives in the waters. This statement came just hours after US President Donald Trump issued a stark ultimatum threatening military action if Iran continues to violate international maritime freedom.

The ceasefire memorandum, signed only two weeks ago, aimed to guarantee safe and free passage for commercial vessels through the strait for 60 days. However, renewed hostilities have erupted, with Iranian drones attacking commercial tankers and the US military responding with heavy strikes on Revolutionary Guard missile and drone facilities along the Iranian coast. These escalations have stalled sensitive nuclear negotiations scheduled to resume in Switzerland.

The conflict intensified when Revolutionary Guard forces targeted a commercial ship navigating near Omani territorial waters, as Tehran seeks to force all maritime traffic to pass closer to its own coastline, thereby strengthening its leverage and control. Experts warn Iran fears losing this strategic advantage if shipping routes shift away from its waters.

US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Walz, emphasized that the US will not tolerate further threats to freedom of navigation, affirming recent US military responses. The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical chokepoint, channeling about one-fifth of the world's oil supply daily, making any disruption a significant risk to global fuel prices and financial stability.

Iran's leadership appears to interpret the ceasefire agreement as an opportunity to impose a new status quo involving military oversight and unilateral demands, contrasting sharply with US and Gulf states' calls for unconditional international access. The situation continues to unfold amid escalating threats between Tehran and Washington.