Iran denies Hormuz blockade, says open under its control

An Iranian deputy foreign minister, Khatibzadeh, has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is not and will not be blocked, directly contradicting recent military announcements of a closure. He asserted that commercial ships can pass through the strategic waterway, but only under Iranian control. This statement adds to the conflicting narratives from Tehran regarding the status of the vital global oil chokepoint, which has been the subject of military threats, restrictions, and claims of resumed traffic in recent weeks.