Iran has rejected claims that restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz have been lifted, despite US President Donald Trump’s announcement. Iranian authorities say vessels still require approval to pass through the strategic waterway, highlighting ongoing tensions over maritime access, nuclear negotiations, and regional security concerns.
Tensions surrounding the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate after Iran stated that maritime restrictions in the region remain in force, directly contradicting a recent claim by US President Donald Trump that a naval blockade on Iran had been lifted.
According to reports published by Iran’s semi-official Tasnim News Agency, Iranian vessels are still facing restrictions while attempting to navigate through the narrow but critical waterway. Iranian sailors reportedly said that ships continue to receive warnings from the United States Central Command, advising them not to enter certain areas despite Trump’s announcement.
The dispute emerged after Trump posted a message on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Friday, declaring that the US naval blockade against Iran “will now be lifted.” In the same statement, he outlined conditions for a potential agreement between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing that Iran must permanently abandon any ambition to acquire nuclear weapons.
Trump further stated that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened immediately to unrestricted maritime traffic in both directions. He also proposed the removal of any water mines in the area and suggested that Iran’s stockpiles of enriched uranium should be identified and destroyed in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
However, Iranian officials have maintained that nuclear-related issues are not currently part of the ongoing diplomatic discussions and negotiations. Tehran has repeatedly asserted its right to pursue peaceful nuclear activities under international agreements.
Adding to the contradiction, Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s principal military command, issued a statement on Saturday reaffirming Iran’s authority over the Strait of Hormuz. The command stated that all vessels, including commercial cargo ships and oil tankers, must continue to travel through routes designated by Iran and obtain authorization from the Navy of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) before crossing the waterway.
Iranian military authorities stressed that these procedures remain mandatory and are being enforced under the country’s current maritime security framework. The statement underscored Tehran’s determination to manage traffic through one of the world’s most important energy transit routes.
Meanwhile, the IRGC Navy reported that approximately 20 vessels successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz during the previous 24 hours after coordinating with Iranian maritime authorities. According to Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency, these vessels received permission due to the economic needs of their respective countries, particularly for the transport of essential commodities such as chemical fertilizers.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically significant waterways, serving as a crucial corridor for global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption or restriction in the region has the potential to affect international energy markets and global trade flows.
Iran tightened its control over the strait on February 28 following joint military strikes on Iranian territory. Since then, Tehran has imposed restrictions on vessels associated with Israel and the United States. At the same time, the United States has continued its own naval measures in the region, limiting maritime traffic linked to Iranian ports.
| Also Read: Trump Delays Iran Deal Decision After White House Talks |
The conflicting statements from Washington and Tehran highlight the continued uncertainty surrounding maritime operations in the Gulf region. As diplomatic negotiations and security concerns remain unresolved, the Strait of Hormuz is expected to stay at the center of international attention, with global markets closely monitoring developments that could influence energy supplies and regional stability.
