Iran has rejected U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, with Iranian officials insisting that the strategically important waterway remains under Iran’s control and management. The dispute comes as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to disrupt commercial shipping and global energy markets.
Iran Calls Trump’s Claim a Lie
Trump said on August 12 that the United States had achieved “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, describing the American naval presence as a “wall of steel” and arguing that Iran had little ability to challenge it.
Iranian military officials strongly disputed the statement. Iran’s Basij commander said the strait was under Iranian control and management, directly contradicting Trump’s assertion. Iranian military sources have also dismissed the U.S. claim as false.
Strait of Hormuz Remains at the Centre of the Conflict
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes because a significant share of global oil and LNG shipments normally passes through it.
The continuing U.S.-Iran confrontation has sharply reduced commercial traffic through the waterway. Reuters reported that only nine commodity vessels transited the strait on Thursday, compared with an August average of about 12 per day and far below normal pre-war traffic.
Iran has said the waterway will not fully reopen unless its demands, including the lifting of sanctions and the return of frozen assets, are addressed.
US Threatens Indefinite Naval Blockade
The latest exchange comes after the United States announced that it could maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports indefinitely.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said American naval forces could sustain the operation by rotating ships in and out of the region. Washington has also threatened additional economic measures against Tehran.
The blockade is part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at increasing economic pressure on Iran while negotiations over a ceasefire remain stalled.
Shipping Traffic Faces Growing Risks
Commercial shipping companies are increasingly cautious about operating through the Strait.
Two vessels operated by the UAE’s state-owned ADNOC were attacked while transiting the waterway, according to the UAE and Reuters. No injuries were reported, but the incidents added to concerns about the safety of international shipping.
The United States has also used military force against vessels accused of attempting to break its blockade, further increasing uncertainty for shipping operators.
Oil Prices React to the Escalation
The dispute over control of Hormuz is having an immediate impact on energy markets.
Brent crude rose around 0.92% to $87.87 a barrel on Friday, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained about 0.53% to $81.69. Both benchmarks were heading toward significant weekly gains amid concerns about prolonged supply disruptions.
Any further reduction in tanker traffic through Hormuz could place additional upward pressure on crude prices.
Asian Countries Seek Alternative Oil Supplies
The disruption is already encouraging Asian refiners to diversify their crude purchases.
Reuters reported that refiners in South Korea, Japan and Taiwan have increased purchases of U.S. crude and other supplies outside the Gulf to reduce their exposure to the disruption. Indian state-run refiners have also issued new crude tenders.
The shift highlights how the confrontation is affecting energy markets far beyond the Middle East.
US and Iran Present Competing Versions of Reality
The dispute over Hormuz has become more than a military disagreement; both sides are using competing claims about control of the waterway to demonstrate strategic strength.
Washington says its naval blockade gives it the ability to control maritime access and prevent Iranian shipping. Tehran insists that its military retains control over the strait and can determine which vessels are allowed to pass.
With neither side appearing willing to back down, the waterway remains a major flashpoint.
Global Markets Remain on Alert
The continuing uncertainty around Hormuz is being closely monitored by governments, shipping companies, energy traders and financial markets.
A prolonged disruption could lead to:
- Higher crude oil prices
- Increased shipping and insurance costs
- Higher fuel prices
- Greater inflationary pressure
- Increased volatility in global stock markets
- Higher energy costs for oil-importing countries such as India
The longer the confrontation continues, the greater the potential impact on the global economy.
Tensions Continue to Escalate
Iran’s rejection of Trump’s claim comes at a particularly sensitive moment, with Washington threatening an indefinite blockade and Tehran refusing to accept U.S. assertions of control.
For now, the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted, while competing U.S. and Iranian claims over the waterway continue to raise the risk of further military and economic escalation.
Source: Reuters and international reports published August 14, 2026.
Original Report: Iran rejected Donald Trump’s claim that the United States has total control over the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington says it can maintain its naval blockade indefinitely.
Supreme News Network
