TEHRAN – Iran has slammed US President Donald Trump’s plan to declare the Strait of Hormuz US territory, with Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi insisting that Tehran will retain control over the strategic waterway.
Gharibabadi said Iran was not intimidated by American threats or displays of military power. He maintained that the authority to open or close the Strait of Hormuz would remain with Iran.
Trump had earlier said he would soon announce that the Strait of Hormuz would be considered U.S. territory.
Speaking to Fox News, he also said the United States was preparing to apply strong economic pressure on Iran in an effort to force Tehran to end the war.
The reported U.S. position has added to tensions surrounding the strategically important waterway, through which a major share of global oil supplies passes.
Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said no decision had yet been made on restarting negotiations with the United States.
He said Pakistan and Qatar were exchanging messages with Iran as intermediaries, but stressed that the exchange of messages did not mean negotiations were underway.
The situation around the Strait of Hormuz has also come under further pressure following a reported attack on a UAE vessel transiting the waterway.
According to the UAE oil company, its vessel came under attack while passing through the Strait, but no one was injured and the situation was brought under control.
