Gambiaj.com – (TEHRAN, Iran) – Iran has warned it could shut down the strategic Strait of Hormuz if the United States does not lift its blockade on Iranian ports, sharply escalating tensions despite signals from Washington that a deal may be within reach.
Speaking on Thursday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed recent statements by President Donald Trump as “false,” accusing the US leader of making “seven claims in one hour” that he said were entirely inaccurate.
“They did not win the war with these lies, and they will certainly not get anywhere in negotiations either,” Ghalibaf said, signaling Tehran’s hardened stance ahead of potential talks.
He further stressed that control over the Strait of Hormuz rests solely with Iran, warning that passage through the critical shipping lane would be subject to “designated routes” and require explicit authorization from Iranian authorities.
The warning came as Trump reiterated that the US naval blockade would only be lifted once a formal agreement was signed, expressing confidence that negotiations were nearing completion.
Speaking at a rally in Arizona, he also suggested that any peace deal would include US control over Iran’s nuclear material, a claim quickly cast into doubt by Iranian officials.
Despite earlier assurances from Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that the strait was “completely open” to commercial traffic, maritime activity in the vital corridor remained minimal on Friday.
Shipping data showed that only a handful of vessels successfully transited the strait, with no oil tankers exiting the Persian Gulf. Just five cargo ships and a single bitumen tanker reached the Gulf of Oman, alongside one cruise ship that made a rare passage through the tense waters.
A larger convoy of nearly two dozen bulk carriers and oil tankers, including several very large crude carriers, initially moved toward the narrow passage but later reversed course, highlighting persistent uncertainty and risk in the area.
Adding to the confusion, some vessels were observed broadcasting misleading identification signals such as “INDIA CARGO” and “CHINESE OWNER & CREW,” apparently in an attempt to signal their affiliations and reduce the likelihood of confrontation.
The developments underscore the fragility of the situation in one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, through which a significant share of global oil supplies passes.
Iranian and US delegations are reportedly expected to hold talks in Pakistan on Monday, according to Iranian sources, though Washington has yet to confirm the meeting. The outcome of any negotiations is likely to have immediate implications for maritime security and global energy markets.
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