Iran’s military rejects claims by US President Donald Trump that the United States has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, calling the remarks “lies and fabrications.” Iran’s central military spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, says the strait is fully under Iran’s management and control and that no commercial vessel or tanker can pass safely without Iran’s permission and supervision.

The dispute follows a Trump comment posted on Truth Social, where he said the US has “total control” of the strait and suggested it would keep it, adding references to a US “Naval Blockade.” Iranian officials, including the head of the Basij paramilitary unit Hossein Taeb, also reiterate Iran’s control over the waterway, while Iran’s foreign ministry and parliamentarians make further statements about US and Israeli access.

Outlets broadly agree on the competing claims and Iran’s position that vessels must obtain permission and pay transit fees. Some reports also note that Iran and Oman have discussed establishing a new route through the strait, but negotiations are not final and Iran says any alternative route would not open the waterway without the United States meeting its demands.