Iran’s political leadership sharply criticized President Donald Trump while warning that rising tensions with the United States could lead Tehran to impose restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks came as Trump was speaking at an event in Arizona.
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused the US president of making ‘seven false claims in one hour,’ though he did not list all seven in detail. He warned that continued US pressure, which Iranian officials have described as a form of blockade, could prompt Iran to tighten control over the vital waterway, potentially requiring designated routes and prior authorization for passage. Qalibaf said the situation would be decided by developments on the ground rather than public statements.
His comments followed a series of public exchanges between US and Iranian officials, many conducted on social media, as both sides seek to influence international and domestic audiences. Qalibaf explicitly described this battle for public opinion as an element of modern confrontation, calling media campaigns a form of ‘media warfare.’
Iranian messaging has not been uniform. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the strait would remain open for commercial traffic during a ceasefire, while other Iranian voices expressed doubt, contributing to uncertainty among traders and analysts.
What is being threatened?
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, with roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil flowing through it. When Iranian officials say the strait may not remain open, they generally mean one of three measures:
1. Stricter control: requiring ships to follow designated routes and obtain Iranian authorization before transit.
2. Harassment or inspection: increased stops, boardings or inspections of vessels, which can delay shipping.
3. Blockade or closure: an extreme measure that would aim to prevent passage altogether.
A full, sustained closure is unlikely because it would prompt a major international response and potentially military action. Nonetheless, even the threat of restrictions or intermittent interference can raise oil prices and disrupt markets, as traders respond to uncertainty.
About the ‘seven false claims’
Qalibaf framed his criticism with a number of specific assertions he attributed to the US president and Washington’s policy, summarized here in his words and tone:
1. The US president made seven claims in one hour that Qalibaf called false.
2. Those falsehoods will not win the war nor secure success in negotiations.
3. Continued blockade pressure will mean the Strait of Hormuz will not remain open.
4. Passage will, if necessary, be managed by designated routes and require Iranian authorization.
5. The status of the strait will be determined by actions on the ground, not by statements on social media.
6. Media campaigns are part of warfare, and the Iranian nation will not be swayed by such tactics.
These statements reflect Tehran’s effort to signal both resolve and leverage. Officials in Tehran have offered mixed messages publicly, which analysts say may reflect internal debate or parallel diplomatic efforts behind the scenes.
Why both sides are talking this way
Iran is signaling that it has the capability to disrupt global energy flows if pressured. The US, meanwhile, appears intent on projecting diplomatic strength and deterrence. Both sides are increasingly using public platforms to shape perception and apply pressure, turning statements and social media into an active front in the broader confrontation.
