Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz Amid US Tension

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf announced that Iran's armed forces achieved a decade of military progress in just 15 months through indigenous technology. In a video address, Qalibaf asserted that Iran now holds qualitative and quantitative superiority over its adversaries and maintains definitive control over the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that recent strategic missile strikes against United States bases proved the U.S. cannot stop Iranian firepower.

Qalibaf detailed a diplomatic shift, stating the U.S. President signed a memorandum of understanding after retreating from demands that Iran abandon its nuclear and missile programs. He also noted an agreement with Oman to manage the Strait of Hormuz under Iranian control. However, tensions escalated as Qalibaf later accused the United States of providing false assurances to ships attempting to use the southern route in breach of that memorandum.

Characterizing the U.S. naval blockade as a military action, Qalibaf warned that any tightening of the blockade would be met with a military response. While dismissing economic threats from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the Speaker asserted that if the U.S. succeeds in stopping Iranian oil exports from the Gulf, no other country will be able to export oil.