Iran asserted full control and management over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route, directly challenging recent claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington held "total control" of the waterway. The declaration comes amidst a prolonged conflict that has significantly impacted maritime traffic in the region.

Hojjatoleslam Hossein Taeb, commander of the paramilitary Basij Organisation, stated on Thursday that the Islamic Republic's authority over the strait remains secure. His remarks, quoted by Iran's semi-official Fars news agency, emphasized Iran's continued presence and management of the strategic chokepoint, suggesting the U.S. had witnessed the "power of the Islamic revolution."

These assertions follow President Trump's post on his Truth Social platform declaring U.S. "total control" of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the commencement of the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran on February 28, Tehran has effectively restricted passage through the strait, which historically saw the transit of approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas before the conflict. In response, the U.S. imposed a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports, vowing to uphold freedom of navigation for vessels bound for non-Iranian destinations.

Iran's joint military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a statement on Thursday, also carried by state media, asserting that no vessel can transit the Strait of Hormuz without Tehran's explicit permission. The command dismissed the U.S. claims of normal vessel passage as "nothing more than lies and falsehoods."

Further elaborating on Iran's stance, senior military political official Rasoul Sanaei-Rad indicated that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is contingent upon the U.S. fulfilling its commitments under an interim agreement aimed at resolving the conflict. According to Fars news, Sanaei-Rad stated that the waterway's reopening is not something the U.S. can unilaterally achieve. He also issued a warning, suggesting that Iran would adopt a more forceful and offensive posture in any future military engagements.

In June, an interim agreement was reached, extending a ceasefire that had taken effect in April and calling for the swift restoration of freedom of navigation in the Gulf. However, this agreement reportedly faltered weeks later when Iran resumed limited attacks on vessels it accused of violating the terms, prompting renewed U.S. strikes on southern Iranian provinces.

The control and potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz have significant global economic implications, given its critical role in energy transportation. Any disruption or assertion of control by either party can lead to volatility in global oil prices and supply chains.

Unresolved questions remain regarding the exact status of maritime traffic through the strait and the potential for further escalation between Iran and the U.S. and its allies, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict and the conflicting claims over control of this vital waterway.