Iran has denied the Pentagon's claim that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz. Rear Admiral Ali Ozmaei, the top commander of Iran’s navy, stated that "the Americans claim the Strait of Hormuz is open and that they control it, but this claim is far from the realities on the ground" PressTv reported.

He explained that Iran exercises "smart control" over the strait, requiring vessels seeking passage to obtain authorization. "If they want to know whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or closed, they should go there themselves and see who controls it.,"

The IRGC Navy commander also criticized the U.S. military presence in the region, asserting that American forces and their seven fleets had effectively become "fuel smugglers." He claimed that the United States’ $13 billion aircraft carrier had been rendered ineffective and was operating like a runway positioned 700 to 800 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz.

"The carrier is vulnerable and does not dare approach the strait or come within range of our fighters," Ozmaei said.

He further stated that the IRGC Navy controls the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, while the Islamic Republic of Iran Army Navy oversees the Sea of Oman. He added that a blockade was continuing beyond the Sea of Oman, in the Arabian Sea, where the Army Navy was also monitoring developments.