Tehran: Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf has warned US President Donald Trump that Tehran could close the Strait of Hormuz if America’s naval blockade persists.
The threat followed Trump’s insistence that restrictions would remain “in full force” until a broader deal is sealed, claiming key issues were nearly resolved and a conclusion imminent.
In an X post, Ghalibaf declared that Iran would strictly regulate the strategic waterway, allowing passage only on a “designated route” with Iranian authorisation if the blockade continues. He dismissed Trump’s assertions as lies, alleging “seven claims in one hour, all false”, and stressed that the Strait’s status would be dictated by events, not social media.
Hours earlier, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi affirmed the Strait remained open to commercial shipping during the Lebanon ceasefire, per routes set by the Ports and Maritime Organisation.
Handling nearly one-fifth of global oil, the Hormuz Strait is a vital energy chokepoint, heightening tensions in the standoff.
(Inputs from IANS)