As tensions continue over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran announced that the passage would not be reopened until its terms were met. The Iran Gulf Waterway Management Authority said the country’s position had not changed in response to statements by U.S. officials or social media posts.
The authority announced that the Strait of Hormuz remained closed and would not be reopened until Iran’s terms were accepted. The statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump said that the United States had “full control” over the strait.
Trump says U.S. control will continue
In a statement the same day, Trump described the U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as “a wall of steel.” Claiming that Iran could do nothing in response to the blockade, Trump said the United States had full control over the strait and was determined to maintain it.
Naval blockade of Iran reinstated
At Trump’s direction, the United States reinstated its naval blockade of Iran on July 14. Military clashes between the United States and Iran have continued in the region since February 28, while negotiations ended without a result.
The Iranian government announced that 3,000 people had been killed in attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Tehran said U.S. and Israeli citizens had been killed in attacks it carried out in response.
Iran also announced that it had targeted U.S. military facilities and equipment in countries across the region. Civilians were killed and civilian facilities were damaged in some of these attacks.