Iran Asserts Control Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions

Iran has reaffirmed its control over the Strait of Hormuz, cautioning Gulf nations against siding with the US following a recent attack on a ship. Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi emphasized that safe passage cannot be guaranteed without Iran's coordination. This comes as tensions rise, with the US and Gulf states rejecting Iran's claims to impose tolls on vessels. Taiwanese shipping operator Evergreen Marine reported that one of its ships was struck by an unidentified object, although no harm was done to the crew or cargo. The situation has led to a decrease in maritime traffic in the region, raising concerns about shipping safety.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2026, 18:07 IST

Iran's Stance on Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz

Iran has reiterated its authority over maritime navigation in the crucial Strait of Hormuz, cautioning Gulf nations against aligning with the United States. This declaration follows a recent incident involving an attack on a vessel near Oman. Kazem Gharibabadi, the deputy foreign minister of Iran, expressed on X that the safety of ships passing through the Strait cannot be assured if they operate under "ambiguous arrangements, parallel routes, or decisions made without Iran's input as the coastal state." He emphasized that any viable framework must involve coordination with Iran and adhere to the stipulations of paragraph five of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. He warned that failure to comply could lead to the suspension of the designated parallel route.

These comments were made in reaction to a joint statement from the US and six Gulf states, part of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which dismissed Iran's claim to impose tolls on vessels navigating the strait and advocated for "free, unconditional, and unrestricted navigation." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that any threats or blockages posed by Iran to ships in the strait would result in significant issues, as he concluded his tour of the Gulf region.

In a related incident, Taiwanese shipping company Evergreen Marine reported that one of its container ships encountered an "unidentified object" in the Strait of Hormuz, although the crew, vessel, and cargo remained safe. This follows reports of a projectile striking another vessel in the strait, with US media suggesting that Iran was responsible for the attack. After the incident, the UN shipping agency temporarily halted its voluntary evacuation program for numerous stranded ships and thousands of seafarers in the Gulf, as the maritime traffic has decreased significantly, with fewer vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz compared to earlier in the week, according to ship tracking data from Reuters.