Pompeo: The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway and is not under Iran's control

On Monday, September 5, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo tweeted that the Strait of Hormuz is considered part of an international waterway and is not under Iran's control. Pompeo stated, "The Islamic Republic of Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz is an international waterway. The United States will continue to work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation and free trade in international waters." While the U.S. Secretary of State emphasized his country's actions to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, earlier that day, Alireza Tangseiri, the new commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, stressed that the Islamic Republic of Iran has "full control" over the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf. The IRGC Navy commander said, "In the Strait of Hormuz, the presence and entry of vessels are controlled according to the laws that exist for the waters and straits of the coastal country that has that strait; we control the 'band' and all military and civilian vessels are monitored, and we have complete oversight over the Persian Gulf, and our presence in the region is physical, permanent, and day and night." He also stated, "We have a message for our Muslim neighbors that we have repeatedly extended a hand of brotherhood to you, and we believe that the Persian Gulf is our home, and we can ensure the security of the Persian Gulf without the presence of foreigners like the U.S. and countries that do not belong here." These statements come as, following the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran known as the JCPOA, Washington announced it is trying to exert maximum pressure on Iranian officials by re-imposing sanctions and aiming to reduce Iran's oil sales to zero. In response to these sanctions, several Iranian officials, including military commanders, have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani also reacted to the return of U.S. sanctions, especially oil sanctions, stating, "It makes no sense for Iranian oil not to be exported while oil from the region is exported." In response to Iranian officials' statements, the operational commander of the U.S. Navy warned Iran that the United States will maintain freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz by any means necessary. As tensions rise in Tehran-Washington relations, reports emerged about a naval exercise by the IRGC, in which over a hundred boats participated around the Strait of Hormuz. General Joseph Votel, head of U.S. Central Command, referred to this exercise as a "message" from Tehran to the United States due to the resumption of economic sanctions against the Islamic Republic and showcasing its military capabilities. General James Mattis, U.S. Secretary of Defense, also stated that "Iran has previously threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz" and knows that carrying out this threat would be an aggression against international shipping. Mr. Mattis warned that such an action would provoke an international response as the international community wants shipping lines to remain open "at any cost."