Iran has countered claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that the United States has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the strategic waterway remains firmly under the Islamic Republic's management.
Hossein Taeb, the head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit, stated on Thursday that the strait is under the "management and control" of Iran. His remarks followed a social media post by Trump on Wednesday, in which the president boasted about U.S. dominance over the strait. Trump described the U.S. naval presence as a "WALL OF STEEL," adding that "nothing Iran can do about it." He also characterized Iran's military as lacking a significant air force or navy and suggested internal instability within the country's leadership.
Taeb suggested that U.S. attempts to disrupt Iran's regional influence by initiating conflict in the Strait of Hormuz had been unsuccessful, despite claims of Iranian weakness. He emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz continues to operate securely under Iranian management.
Escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran have been punctuated by reports of heightened security measures for President Trump. Last month, Trump was reportedly transported from Air Force One in a catering truck to a smaller military plane due to concerns about a potential Iranian assassination attempt. This occurred as he was returning from a NATO summit in Turkey. Officials familiar with the operation described the tactic as a ruse to mislead journalists and some White House staff, with the primary Air Force One serving as a decoy.
Trump later spoke to journalists about the perceived threat from Iran, stating he faces "a threat all the time" and is a primary target for Tehran.