Iran Claims Exclusive Control Over Strait of Hormuz, Rejects U.S. Demands

The Iranian government has officially declared that any activity within the Strait of Hormuz, including its opening or demining operations, “rests exclusively with Iran.” This assertion, delivered by Tehran’s diplomat at the United Nations, stands in direct opposition to U.S. demands for a public declaration that the vital energy corridor is open and free from the threat of attack.

The standoff over the strait comes as the U.S. and Iran experience a breakdown in the interim ceasefire established following the conclusion of major combat operations. U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that he views the existing ceasefire deal as “OVER,” though he noted that the U.S. remains engaged in talks aimed at achieving a permanent end to the conflict.

Escalation and Internal Power Struggles

The recent cycle of violence, characterized by renewed strikes, has been attributed by U.S. officials to internal friction within the Iranian government. According to senior U.S. officials speaking on condition of anonymity, a “rogue faction of Iranian hard-liners” has been attempting to sabotage the ceasefire agreement.

While U.S. officials suggested that some Iranian leaders communicated that recent strikes on ships were a mistake and expressed a desire to continue negotiations, the U.S. response has been to launch counterattacks. These actions were intended to signal that the U.S. would hold the Iranian state responsible for maritime hostilities regardless of which specific faction initiated them. Officials noted that the political landscape in Tehran remains volatile following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed by an Israeli strike in February.

The “Economic Nuclear Weapon”

The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a central point of contention in the postwar environment. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously characterized the strait as Iran’s “economic nuclear weapon,” noting that Tehran’s control over the waterway allows it to disrupt global energy markets if attacked.

The previous memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the two nations had aimed to provide for the safe passage of commercial vessels at no charge for 60 days while a postwar administration for the strait was negotiated. However, Iranian Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has indicated that the strait will not return to its previous condition, stating that Iran intends to charge fees for services provided in the corridor.

Stakes for Global Shipping and Diplomacy

The uncertainty surrounding the strait poses significant risks to international shipping. More than 500 ships have transited the waterway since the June 17 MOU, yet many vessels remain stuck as the diplomatic impasse continues.

The 14-point MOU, which sought to codify ceasefires in both Iran and Lebanon and address nuclear concerns, remains in jeopardy. Washington has reportedly imposed a limited timeline for negotiators to secure a permanent deal, though U.S. officials have underscored that the president retains a wide range of options should the talks collapse.

Experts and officials point to several factors complicating the path forward:

• Regulatory Barriers: Existing U.S. sanctions, designed during President Trump’s first term, create significant legal and bureaucratic complexities that hinder the implementation of new agreements.
• Lack of Trust: Iranian leadership remains wary of U.S. commitments, citing the 2018 withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action and the death of the Supreme Leader’s family members during the recent war.
• Regional Influence: There are concerns that third parties, including Israel, may exercise influence to undermine broader deals that do not align with their own security interests.

As of Friday, the U.S. continues to press for a public statement from Tehran confirming that the waterway is open to international traffic. Tehran’s insistence on exclusive control suggests a fundamental disagreement over the governance of the strait that remains unresolved.

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