Tensions between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz have escalated again, after US President Donald Trump declared that the US has "total control" over this strategic point in the Persian Gulf.

In a new post on Truth Social, Trump claimed that the US naval blockade of Iran is ironclad and that Tehran no longer has the capacity to challenge American control over the strait.

"The US has complete control of the Strait of Hormuz. I think we will hold it!" Trump wrote, describing the naval blockade as a "Wall of Steel."

The US president continued with a series of accusations against Iran, claiming that the country no longer has a functioning navy or air force and that the Revolutionary Guard has been “destroyed.” Trump also criticized Iran’s economic situation, claiming that the country is out of money and that inflation has reached 300 percent.

Trump's statements come as Iran maintains a diametrically opposed stance on the status of Hormuz. Tehran has rejected American claims to control the strait and has declared that it will remain closed until the US meets the conditions set by the Iranian side.

Iran: Hormuz will not open

Mohsen Rezaei, Iran's top security official, reiterated Tehran's stance during a meeting with the Chinese ambassador. According to him, the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States ends the war and naval blockade, releases frozen Iranian assets, and agrees to a broader ceasefire in the region, including Gaza and Lebanon.

"Until all conditions are met, the strait will remain closed," Rezaei declared.

The clash of statements between Washington and Tehran is also accompanied by a significant drop in maritime traffic. According to data published by Reuters, only eight ships passed through Hormuz on Tuesday, while traffic has fallen to very low levels due to the ongoing uncertainty and risk to maritime transport.

Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to find a solution continue. Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in mediation efforts between the two countries, but so far the parties remain far from a new agreement. Reuters reported today that the US and Iran remain at odds over the restoration of the interim peace agreement.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy shipping lanes, and any restrictions on traffic through the corridor have a direct impact on global oil markets and supplies. With Washington claiming full control and Tehran insisting that the strait remain closed, the clash over Hormuz remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the US-Iran crisis.