Iran Seizes Control of Strait of Hormuz, Bans US Weapons Transit

Iran has declared full strategic control over the Strait of Hormuz and announced it will no longer allow American weapons to pass through the critical waterway to reach regional bases.

A Major Strategic Move

According to Beyond Time News, Iranian Army spokesman Brigadier General Mohammad Akraminia made the announcement at a formal ceremony, stating that the strait is now under the coordinated control of Iran’s armed forces.

“From now on, we will not allow American weapons to transit the Strait of Hormuz and enter regional bases. Any country wishing to transit the waterway must do so under the supervision of Iran’s armed forces,” he said.

The western section of the strait is under the command of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Navy, while the eastern section is controlled by the Iranian Navy.

Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref was equally firm, saying Iran’s right to the Strait of Hormuz “is established, and the matter is closed.”

A Long-Term Strategic Goal

An Iranian army spokesperson indicated that controlling the strait is not a temporary measure. According to Beyond Time News, officials suggested that supervising the waterway could generate revenue twice Iran’s current oil income, while also strengthening its foreign policy leverage.

“After this war ends, there will be no place for retreat,” the spokesperson said.

Tensions With Kuwait

Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi demanded the release of four Iranian nationals detained by Kuwait, which accused them of attempting to infiltrate the country to carry out hostile acts. Iran denied the allegations, saying the four were on routine coast guard patrol and entered Kuwaiti waters due to a navigation system failure.

Peace Talks Still Stalling

Despite the escalating tensions, US Vice President JD Vance said negotiations with Iran are still moving forward. “I think we are making progress. The fundamental question is — do we make enough progress to satisfy the president’s red line?” he told reporters.

Vance confirmed that the core US demand remains unchanged — ensuring Iran never obtains a nuclear weapon.

However, the two sides remain far apart. Washington is demanding Tehran dismantle its nuclear programme and relinquish control of the strait. Iran, in turn, is demanding war damage compensation, an end to the US blockade, and a halt to fighting across all fronts including Lebanon.

Iran’s Armed Forces Ready to Respond to Any Aggression, Says Speaker Ghalibaf

Global Energy Markets Under Pressure

The conflict is already taking a heavy toll on global energy supplies. According to Beyond Time News, the International Energy Agency warned that global oil supply will fall by around 3.9 million barrels per day in 2026, with over one billion barrels of Middle East supply already lost due to the war.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing on Wednesday to meet with President Xi Jinping, with the Iran conflict expected to dominate discussions. Trump is likely to seek China’s support in resolving the war, though analysts say he is unlikely to receive the backing he is hoping for.