Iran Insists Strait of Hormuz Control Remains With Tehran Amid US Threats

Iran has yet to decide whether to resume talks with the United States, with recent communications via Qatar and Pakistan falling short of formal negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on Saturday. He explained that separate discussions with Oman focused on establishing a maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that the US must meet certain conditions before shipping can resume in the area. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi responded directly to US President Donald Trump's remarks, asserting that "the Strait of Hormuz will open and close only under Iran's command." He urged the US to "accept defeat and stop indulging in fantasies," affirming Iran's commitment to enforcing its maritime blockade of the strait.

These Iranian statements came after Trump declared in New York that once Iran is decisively defeated, he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory. Trump claimed the US controls the blockade, preventing any ships from passing unless permitted, and warned against Iran obtaining nuclear weapons. He described the blockade as "unstoppable, like a steel wall." Earlier, in a Fox News interview, Trump warned that any Iranian attack would be met with a response "100 times greater in force," and promised severe economic blows to Iran.

Vice President J. D. Vance also spoke to Fox News, stating the primary US goals are maintaining favorable oil and gas prices for Americans and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He expressed confidence in stopping Iran's nuclear ambitions and restoring the Strait of Hormuz as a key route for free oil and gas flow. Vance criticized Iran for breaking agreements and highlighted the US's extensive tools to address the situation if necessary.

Despite US demands for Israel to close all fronts, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Brad Cooper reportedly advocates resuming strikes against Iran. Cooper recently visited Israel and met with IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and other senior commanders, conveying the need to renew attacks on Iran’s national infrastructure, including gas, oil, and electricity facilities. He indicated that joint strikes with Israel might become necessary.

Additionally, CENTCOM announced the formation of a drone strike force involving several Middle Eastern countries and has requested assistance from the Israeli Navy to deal with mines in the Strait of Hormuz.