U.S. Official Declares Strait of Hormuz Open Amidst Iranian Threats

A senior U.S. official stated on Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open and under U.S. Navy control,” directly countering Iran’s recent threats of establishing a new maritime exclusion zone in the Persian Gulf. Tehran is trying to regain influence over this crucial waterway.

This assessment came after a prolonged U.S. Navy operation aimed at removing Iranian mines from the strait. The official indicated to Al Jazeera that Washington anticipates an increase in shipping traffic and is satisfied with the current levels of oil and gas transit through the area.

This statement followed remarks made by Mohsen Rezaei, the secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, who declared on Sunday that Iran would create a new restricted zone extending from the U.S. naval blockade line into the Persian Gulf.

Rezaei mentioned, “In the coming days and weeks, we’re going to announce a restricted prohibited zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, starting from the blockade line of the U.S. Navy and extending to the Persian Gulf from the other side.”

He also warned that vessels entering this zone with plans to navigate through Hormuz would face penalties, although specifics on enforcement were vague.

On Monday, Rezaei intensified his threats, framing the proposed exclusion zone as a response to what he described as Washington’s economic warfare against Tehran.

He commented on X, saying, “Washington has received a clear warning from Iran’s new missiles. Economic warfare will be met by a maritime exclusion zone across the Persian Gulf to the blockade perimeter.”

Additionally, he noted that the stance toward U.S. warships and bases has been fundamentally reassessed.

As Iranian threats escalate, the U.S. is tightening its grip on maritime traffic near Iran while safeguarding commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. Central Command reported on Monday that American forces have diverted 94 commercial vessels, disabled three, and boarded two since reinstating their naval blockade of Iranian ports in mid-July, an increase from 92 redirected vessels just a day prior.

Approximately 20 U.S. warships are engaged in enforcing the blockade, according to the senior official, who claimed that the broader economic pressure campaign has “completely” harmed Iran’s economy through a mix of sanctions and tightened naval measures.

This operation followed a months-long effort by the U.S. Navy to clear Iranian mines from internationally recognized shipping lanes in the strait.

Reports indicated that U.S. Navy SEALs and divers conducted much of the mine clearing at night, using advanced technology to locate and eliminate mines. It’s estimated that around 80 mines were placed in the waterway, according to the International Maritime Organization.

Admiral Brad Cooper from U.S. Central Command had previously mentioned that they successfully cleared mines from the Strait’s shipping lanes, hailing the achievement as a significant milestone.

He commented on the meticulous nature of the operation, saying, “The circumstances were challenging and dangerous, to say the least, but we got the job done.”

In a hopeful tone, Cooper asserted, “Today, international shipping lanes are open and momentum is building.”

Prior to this, President Donald Trump had noted that the Navy had dealt with all mines in international waters in Hormuz and warned that any Iranian attempt to lay new mines would lead to immediate destruction.

U.S. officials later characterized this development as a critical moment, effectively removing one of Iran’s main sources of leverage over global energy markets.

One U.S. official remarked, “The Iranians have lost control over the strait. Now the U.S. controls it.”

Despite ongoing Iranian provocations and threats to shipping, significant amounts of Gulf energy are passing through Hormuz under U.S. protection once again.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright noted on Sunday that around 9 million barrels of oil per day are now flowing through Hormuz. With additional energy from regional pipelines, he estimated that overall flows have returned to “two-thirds or more” of what they were before the conflict.

On the other hand, Iranian officials have reacted with heightened threats against American military and economic interests.

Iran’s Acting Defense Minister Majid Ibn Reza stated that Tehran has the capability to strike U.S. warships involved in the blockade, countering claims that they lack the means to challenge American naval forces.

“The Americans believe that we do not have the capability and technology to target the warships participating in the economic blockade against our people,” Ibn Reza declared on Iranian state television. “God willing, you will see the results,” he warned.

Separately, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf threatened U.S. oil and gas interests in the region, following remarks from War Secretary Pete Hegseth about potential American action against Iranian tankers if attacks on U.S. forces continued.

Ghalibaf expressed, “It’s simple: the oil and gas production chain here is sprawling, accessible, and exposed. American oil and gas companies across these waters and facilities share that exposure. Strike our assets, and you get struck.”

Additionally, Iran has been trying to negotiate a new agreement with Oman regarding navigation through Hormuz, claiming progress in establishing a jointly managed corridor. However, Oman has reportedly turned down Iran’s proposal to charge service fees to commercial vessels, undermining previous Iranian assertions of a revenue-sharing agreement.

Ultimately, Tehran’s recent threats come at a time when the conditions are unfavorable for them: internationally recognized shipping lanes have been cleared of mines, more Gulf energy is flowing under U.S. protection, and the blockade around Iran’s maritime trade continues to tighten.

The message from Washington remains clear: the Strait of Hormuz is “fully open and under U.S. Navy control.”