US rejects Iran’s claim of control over Strait of Hormuz

Lead

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected Iran's claim that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that the international waterway remains open for transit despite threats from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The dispute marks the latest escalation in a conflict that has drawn in regional powers and disrupted global shipping.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from TASS and The Hindu present differing emphases on the situation. TASS articles, with a focus on official statements, detail the US military's assistance to ships (reporting around 900 to 1,000 vessels helped since early May) and quote Iranian officials on the closure. The Hindu's report emphasizes the US military's insistence that traffic is flowing despite Iran's claims, framing the dispute as a "flare-up of the war in West Asia."

While TASS reports quote CENTCOM's denial and mention the US attacks on Iran, they also carry Iran's statements about the closure and the mining of southern routes, often with a neutral tone. The Hindu focuses on the US perspective, noting that Iran attacked US-allied Gulf neighbors in response to the US strikes, further endangering a deal meant to halt the war.

Key Claims

• US Rejection of Control: CENTCOM stated on X, "Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The international waterway remains open for transit regardless of IRGC threats and attacks." This was echoed by The Hindu's report, which quoted CENTCOM saying "Traffic is flowing" and that US forces are "positioned and prepared" to keep the strait open.

• US Military Assistance: CENTCOM reported helping approximately 1,000 ships transit the strait since early May, including 500 million barrels of crude oil, according to TASS. Earlier reports from the same agency cited more than 900 ships.

• Iranian Closure Announcements: The Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PSGA) announced on X that the Strait of Hormuz has been "totally closed" due to "unlawful actions and military movements by United States forces," and will remain closed until stability is restored. The Khatam al-Anbiya, the Central Headquarters of the Iranian armed forces, said the strait remains closed but that certain ships may be allowed to cross via agreed routes in accordance with previously announced rules.

• IRGC Warnings: IRGC spokesperson Hossein Mohebbi warned shipping companies that southern routes through the strait were unsafe due to planted mines, a claim reported by TASS.

• US Strikes on Iran: CENTCOM said it attacked around 140 targets in Iran in response to Tehran's attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim carried by TASS. The Hindu also mentions "the latest series of U.S. strikes on Iran."

• Iranian Missile Attacks: Iran fired missiles at US facilities in the Middle East, according to TASS. The Hindu reports that Iran attacked US-allied Gulf neighbors in response to US strikes.

• War Origins and Agreements: TASS reported that the United States and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28, and that a memorandum of understanding was signed between Washington and Tehran in June, envisioning an immediate ceasefire. However, US strikes resumed on July 8, with President Trump declaring the ceasefire over, as reported by TASS.

• Regional Impact: Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Qatar reported repelling air attacks, according to TASS. The Hindu also mentions Iran's attacks on US-allied Gulf neighbors.

Perspectives

United States Central Command (CENTCOM): The US military dismisses Iran's control claim, emphasizing that the strait remains open and that US forces are helping vessels transit safely. It frames its actions as retaliation for attacks on commercial vessels.

Iranian Authorities (PSGA, IRGC, Khatam al-Anbiya): Iranian officials assert that the strait is closed due to US actions, warning of mines and stating that traffic will only resume once stability is restored. They position the closure as a defensive measure against US aggression.

The Hindu's reporting: While not a direct party, it presents the US viewpoint prominently, noting Iran's attacks on Gulf neighbors and the danger to a supposed ceasefire deal, highlighting the war's regional stakes.