Tensions Continue in the Strait of Hormuz: Conflicting Statements from Iran and the US

As tensions in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz persist, statements from Iran and the United States continue to contradict each other. While both parties indicate that they are nearing an agreement in diplomatic talks, mutual harsh statements and incidents at sea are increasing instability in the region.

US President Donald Trump, in a post on his social media account on Friday morning, harshly criticized Iran, stating, 'They need to get their act together immediately.' Trump had previously announced that an agreement had been reached, but the Iranian side indicated that the terms had not yet been finalized.

Iranian Media: The Strait of Hormuz is Completely Under Control

Iranian state television and media outlets close to the Revolutionary Guards claimed that the Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed. They alleged that the Revolutionary Guards Navy is controlling the eastern and western entrances of the strait and that no ship can pass without permission.

Iranian sources claimed that approximately 50 ships are waiting near the strait, with about 20 times that number of ships in the second and third anchorage areas.

These statements came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Thursday that the strait is open and commercial vessels are continuing their passage.

Mutual Accusations

Iran announced on Thursday that it had fired upon two ships attempting to pass through the strait. However, CENTCOM stated that the drones used in the attack were shot down before reaching their targets.

On Friday, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards Navy announced that it had turned away an oil tanker that it claimed did not have the necessary permits. Some reports suggested that a fire broke out on a ship as a result of Iranian attacks.

Trump stated late at night that attacks on Indian vessels departing from the Strait of Hormuz had been 'completely repelled,' describing the incidents as 'absolutely unacceptable.'

The US confirmed attacks on three tankers operated by Indian crews this week, reporting that three sailors lost their lives in the incidents. It was noted that India had officially protested to US officials twice due to the developments.

CENTCOM: Blockade Continues

In a statement from CENTCOM, it was expressed that the maritime blockade is ongoing. The statement noted that another commercial vessel had to change its course, bringing the number of vessels affected by the blockade to 136, while the number of vessels rendered ineffective rose to 9.

Iranian media claimed that the US had launched new attacks. It was alleged that a fishing boat was struck and one person was injured, and that a cargo ship carrying 150 tons of essential goods was attacked and sank on Thursday.

The US side announced that humanitarian aid shipments were allowed to continue.

Claims of a 12-Point Plan in Negotiations

Iran's Mehr News Agency reported that the parties are close to an agreement, sharing details of a 12-point plan.

According to the claim, the plan includes:

The US will provide security guarantees to Iran,

Frozen Iranian funds will be released,

Oil sanctions and the maritime blockade will be lifted,

The Strait of Hormuz will be fully reopened within 30 days,

Iran will commit not to possess nuclear weapons,

Negotiations regarding enriched uranium will continue for another 60 days.

However, Trump quickly rejected these conditions, arguing that the agreement on the table is 'much better.' Targeting Iranian officials, Trump stated, 'It is not possible to do business with them on a goodwill basis.'

Tension Over Abu Musa Island

On Thursday, Trump threatened that US forces could seize Abu Musa Island, a significant oil export hub for Iran, along with its oil infrastructure.

Iran responded to these statements with sarcasm, declaring its readiness to defend the island.

Hours later, Trump announced that the parties were nearing an agreement and that planned nighttime operations had been suspended. Iran emphasized that the agreement had not yet been finalized.

Thus, while diplomatic contacts continue, military tension and mutual accusations persist in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye