Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has warned Donald Trump that Iran may shut down the Strait of Hormuz if the United States continues its naval blockade, escalating tensions between the two sides. In a statement posted on X, Ghalibaf said that passage through the vital shipping route would be allowed only via designated channels and with Iran’s approval. He added that if the blockade persists, the strait “will not remain open.” The warning came shortly after Iran announced that the strait had been reopened to all commercial vessels for the duration of a ceasefire. Abbas Araghchi stated that shipping would proceed along coordinated routes outlined by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organization.

Trump, however, maintained that the US naval blockade would remain in place until a deal with Iran is finalized. He suggested that negotiations are nearing completion but warned that failure to reach an agreement could result in renewed military action, including airstrikes. Responding to Trump’s remarks, Ghalibaf accused him of making multiple false claims and insisted that decisions regarding the strait would be determined by developments on the ground rather than public statements.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil. Its recent closure during heightened tensions disrupted global markets, and despite its reopening, shipping companies remain cautious, awaiting clearer security assurances. Analysts say the strait is increasingly being used as a strategic pressure point in geopolitical negotiations.

Differences also persist over Iran’s nuclear program. Trump claimed that under a potential agreement, enriched uranium would be jointly removed by US and Iranian teams and transferred to the United States. Iran’s foreign ministry denied the claim, stating that its uranium stockpile would remain within the country and that no such proposal has been discussed in negotiations.

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