The armed forces of Iran announced plans to block state-owned and other company vessels from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement from a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters cited by CNN on Tuesday, July 28, 2026. This potential shipping blockade comes in direct response to a proposal by United States President Donald Trump regarding frozen Iranian assets and maritime damage claims in the Gulf region.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Threats and US Policy
According to the military command in Tehran, armed forces will not permit vessels belonging to companies or nations that use frozen Iranian assets to transit the vital waterway. The spokesperson stated that Iran will bar any entity welcoming the US proposal from using the strategic maritime route. This announcement follows President Trump’s declaration on social media platform Truth on Friday, July 24, 2026, as reported by AFP, stating that damage to ships or cargo in the region would be paid for using Iranian money owned and controlled by the United States.
Frozen Assets and Maritime Liability
The exact total of frozen Iranian assets spread across international financial networks remains unverified. According to President Trump’s social media statement, the policy dictating that damages to ships, cargo, or related assets will be covered by US-controlled Iranian funds remains in effect until further notice. This measure has deepened the ongoing geopolitical dispute between Washington and Tehran concerning navigation rights and regional security in the Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical global corridor for oil and gas supplies.
Tehran’s Alternative Maritime Arrangements
Despite the brewing conflict over transit restrictions, Tehran has maintained that commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain secure under specific conditions. According to Iranian authorities, vessels can safely navigate the corridor if they coordinate directly with Iran under its newly established maritime arrangements. Officials in Tehran assert that the government will maintain regulatory control over the vital trade route as part of a broader strategy to preserve long-term security in the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Iran threatening to block the Strait of Hormuz?
According to military officials cited by CNN, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters stated it will block ships from nations or companies that utilize frozen Iranian assets under a proposal outlined by US President Donald Trump.
What did President Trump propose regarding Iranian assets?
According to statements posted by Trump on Truth and reported by AFP, the US will use frozen Iranian funds to pay for any damage sustained by vessels or cargo in Gulf region waters until further notice.
How can commercial ships safely traverse the Strait of Hormuz under current Iranian policy?
According to Iranian authorities, commercial vessels can ensure safe passage by coordinating their transits directly with Tehran under the country’s updated maritime security arrangements.
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