US rejects any Hormuz agreement that gives Iran control

U.S. officials have made it clear that any agreement governing the strategic waterway near Iran must not place the nation in control of the channel. In a statement issued this week, representatives from the State Department and the Department of Defense emphasized that the United States would not accept arrangements that would allow Iran to dominate the passage, citing concerns over maritime security and the free flow of commerce.

The comments come amid renewed discussions over the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor that sees a significant portion of the world’s oil trade. Washington’s position reflects longstanding apprehensions that Iranian influence could threaten navigation rights, potentially disrupt global energy supplies, and alter the balance of power in the Persian Gulf. The U.S. has repeatedly urged that any governance framework preserve international access and prevent unilateral control by any single state.

While the U.S. remains firm on its stance, the statement also signals a willingness to engage in diplomatic efforts that safeguard the waterway’s openness. The government’s insistence on preventing Iranian control underscores its broader strategy to maintain stability and freedom of navigation in a region marked by geopolitical tension.