Iran neither intimidated by threats nor cowed by displays of power: Deputy FM
A senior Iranian diplomat has categorically rejected reported US claims about the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, stressing that the Islamic Republic will not be intimidated by threats or displays of military power into reopening the waterway.
“The Strait of Hormuz cannot be seized by a tweet or an aircraft carrier, by issuing an order or by delivering an election speech. Iran is neither intimidated by threats nor cowed by displays of power,” Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs, Kazem Gharibabadi wrote in a post on X on Friday.
Commander of Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps. (IRGC) Navy says that the Strait of Hormuz is closed and Iran's control over movements is complete and decisive; no movement in this strait escapes the watchful eyes of the IRGC Navy. pic.twitter.com/wun4ekhbiQ
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) August 13, 2026
His remarks came after Donald Trump reportedly said that, following what the US president called “Iran’s defeat,” he would soon declare the Strait of Hormuz “US territory.”
Gharibabadi expressed surprise over the claim, asserting that it has rather been Washington, which has suffered defeat in its efforts to impose its will on the chokepoint.
“Accept reality once and for all: so far, you have suffered serious and strategic defeats. The Strait of Hormuz has been, is, and will remain Iranian; this strait will be closed or reopened only at Iran’s command,” the diplomat stated.
“And as long as you refuse to acknowledge the reality of your defeat and continue to indulge in delusions, Iran will continue to enforce the blockade.”
Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy chokepoint, closed in response to the unprovoked US-Israeli aggression that targeted the country from February 28 until April 7.
The US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June to end the cycle that had resulted from the aggression.
The Islamic Republic subsequently reopened the strait, but was forced to re-impose the closure after Washington began interfering with the legal transit mechanism that Tehran had devised for passage through the chokepoint in line with the understanding.
Earlier in August, Iran’s Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) conditioned reopening of the waterway to realization of such imperatives as the US’s permanently ending aggression against Iran and its regional allies, lifting its illegal naval blockade and all sanctions against the Islamic Republic, returning the country’s frozen assets, and paying compensation for the damage resulting from the aggression.
On Wednesday, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), the mechanism devised by Iran to manage transit through the waterway, also rejected repeated claims by US officials that the chokepoint was no longer blocked.
Strait of Hormuz authority nixes US claims, says waterway remains blocked until Iran’s conditions are methttps://t.co/nPq5AvJIOL
— Press TV 🔻 (@PressTV) August 12, 2026
“The Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran’s conditions are accepted,” it added.
From toppling Tehran to low gas prices: Trump's endless climbdown continues
Pezeshkian: Iran’s, Pakistan’s interests more closely intertwined than ever
Iran says control over Hormuz 'decisive' as Kpler data debunks US claims
Iran neither intimidated by threats nor cowed by displays of power: Deputy FM
Stretched US war on Iran leaves military families reporting strain across multiple ships
VIDEO | Israeli defeat in 33-day war in 2026 still resonates today
Iran’s rapid recovery stuns Israel as missile stockpile rebuilds faster than expected
VIDEO | Press TV's news headlines
VIDEO | Yemenis prepare for Prophet Muhammad’s birthday
VIDEO | IRGC says air defense deliveries uninterrupted as downed US-Israeli drones, fighter jet unveiled
Ex-nuclear negotiator: Trump's war on Iran places US in cul-de-sac
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
