'Not Decided on Social Media,' Iran Speaker Hits Back at Donald Trump Over Hormuz Claims

Tehran: Iran on Saturday announced the opening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial ships, but the situation on the ground appears to be far from this claim. The narrow waterway, which carries about 20 percent of the world's oil supplies, had been effectively closed for the past several weeks due to tensions. After a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi wrote on social media on Friday that Hormuz is fully open to all commercial vessels through the coordinated route. However, a deep gap in interpretation remains between the US and Iran, while maritime tracking data shows that traffic is still extremely limited.

Has Hormuz really returned to normal?

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial vessels in line with the Lebanon ceasefire. He clarified that the ships will have to use the coordinated route previously announced by the Ports and Maritime Organization of the Islamic Republic of Iran. State media and military sources also said Iranian surveillance of traffic would remain in place. But data from marine tracking companies like Kpler shows that many tankers and cargo ships turned back after attempting. Independent experts say that despite the announcement, practical navigation has not yet returned to normal.

What was special in Trump's statement?

US President Donald Trump welcomed Iran's announcement, saying that Hormuz is now fully open and ready for full traffic. He thanked Iran and claimed that Tehran had assured never to close the waterway again. But Trump clearly said that the US Navy blockade on Iranian ports and ships will remain in place until a comprehensive agreement is reached between the two countries. He called it a wonderful day for the world but stressed that pressure will continue without a concrete agreement on security concerns, including the nuclear issue.

Why did Iran deny these claims?

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf termed Trump's statements false. He wrote on social media that decisions are not decided by rhetoric but by ground reality. Ghalibaf warned that Hormuz would not remain open if the blockade continued. He refuted Trump's seven claims and said that Iran will allow traffic only on its designated routes with permission. He clarified that the claim of openness is contradictory to the blockade.

What conditions apply to ships?

Iranian officials have clarified that only commercial ships will be allowed and they will follow coordinated routes specified by Iran. There remains a complete ban on military ships. The navy and port authority of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) are monitoring all activities. Some state media described the foreign minister's initial post as incomplete and said openness was not practical as long as the US blockade remained in place. Shipping companies and insurance providers are still waiting for clarity on safety, risks and legal compliance.

What are the further indications?

Experts believe that this situation is temporary and delicate. Oil prices fell sharply after the announcement, but maritime security firms say confidence among shipping companies has yet to be restored due to the mines and remaining hostilities. The International Maritime Organization has sought immediate information on the risk level.