What happened
On August 29, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Gharibabadi said the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed. He stated that any vessel seeking to pass through the strait must first be coordinated and approved by Iran.
Gharibabadi said Iran's armed forces are fully aware of all movement in the strait and dismissed American claims that ships have been passing through as “completely untrue.”
The deputy minister added that Iran has reached an understanding with Oman on arrangements for vessels passing through the strait, but the waterway will not reopen until the United States fulfills its commitments.
Why it matters
The statement explicitly ties navigation through a strategically significant waterway to diplomatic conditions, increasing tensions around shipping in the region.
Iran's insistence on coordination and permission suggests its leaders view control over the strait as leverage against the United States, while the reference to Oman hints at a possible diplomatic path forward.
Key facts
Gharibabadi declared the Strait of Hormuz completely closed on August 29.
Any ship passing through the strait would require Iran's coordination and permission.
Iran's armed forces, according to Gharibabadi, are fully aware of all movements in the strait, and US statements to the contrary are “completely untrue.”
Iran and Oman have reached an understanding on passage arrangements, but the strait will stay closed until US commitments are met.
What to watch next
Whether the United States responds to Iran's condition for reopening the strait.
How the understanding with Oman is put into practice for actual vessel passage.
Whether the closure statement changes real-world shipping despite US denials.