By Desmond Nleya
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has asserted that it remains firmly in control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, as the United States continues to enforce its naval blockade in the region.
The IRGC accused US officials of making false claims about conditions in the waterway in an attempt to influence global energy prices.
Meanwhile, the White House said the American naval blockade remains fully operational. US officials maintained that the Strait of Hormuz is open to navigation and has been cleared of mines, while also confirming that Washington is not currently engaged in talks with Iran.
The latest developments underline continuing tensions over one of the world’s most important shipping routes, through which a significant portion of global oil and energy supplies passes.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei also called for national unity, warning against actions that could undermine what he described as “social cohesion”. He urged the public to remain united and called on officials to avoid statements that could weaken national morale and public motivation.
The competing claims by Tehran and Washington come amid heightened uncertainty over security in the Strait of Hormuz, with developments in the region being closely watched because of their potential impact on international shipping and global energy markets.
Source: Aljazeera
