Iran says Strait of Hormuz remains under its control

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi, has stressed that Iran—not the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)—holds authority over the Strait of Hormuz, dismissing recent military discussions in Bahrain as ineffective in shaping the region’s future security.

In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Gharibabadi said that no military meeting held in Bahrain could establish a legitimate security framework or legal order for the Persian Gulf. He argued that regional countries should determine their own security arrangements without relying on foreign military influence.

The deputy foreign minister emphasized that the Strait of Hormuz remains under Iran’s control and rejected any suggestion that CENTCOM has authority over the strategic waterway. He maintained that outside powers cannot dictate the security or governance of one of the world’s most important maritime routes.

Gharibabadi also outlined Tehran’s broader position on regional stability. He said lasting peace would only emerge when foreign interference ends, the United States withdraws its military presence from the region, and all countries respect each other’s sovereignty. He added that governments must recognize the region’s evolving geopolitical realities instead of depending on what he described as the U.S. security umbrella.

His remarks come at a time when international attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. The narrow waterway serves as a critical global energy corridor, carrying a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. As geopolitical tensions continue to shape the region, statements from Iranian officials on the Strait’s security and control are likely to draw close scrutiny from governments and energy markets worldwide.