Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned US President Donald Trump that Tehran will respond to what it considers an unacceptable claim over the Strait of Hormuz.

Gharibabadi issued the warning on Tuesday, August 18, after Trump suggested that the strategic waterway could be regarded as US territory.

Gharibabadi said Trump’s position would either have to be corrected or face a response from Iran.

The Iranian diplomat made the comments in a post on X, according to the Iranian Foreign Ministry official’s statement reported by Tasnim.

The warning marks another escalation in the dispute between Washington and Tehran over control and access to the Strait of Hormuz.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical international maritime route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The waterway has become a major flashpoint in the ongoing US-Iran confrontation. Tehran has maintained that the strait remains closed until Washington meets conditions linked to the conflict, while Trump has claimed that the waterway is open and operating.

Trump’s position has also intensified tensions with Oman, which has been involved in efforts to mediate between Washington and Tehran. The US president has threatened military action against Oman if it obstructs American efforts concerning the strait.

The dispute over the waterway has consequences far beyond the Middle East because of its importance to global energy supplies.

Renewed uncertainty around shipping through Hormuz has already pushed oil prices higher. Reuters reported that Brent crude rose for a third consecutive session on Tuesday as hopes for a US-Iran agreement weakened.

Analysts have warned that prolonged disruption could further increase energy costs and place additional pressure on global economies.

The latest warning comes after the expiration of a 60-day US-Iran negotiating period without a broader agreement.

Washington has denied that formal talks are currently scheduled, while Tehran has maintained that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until its conditions are addressed.

Gharibabadi’s warning signals that Iran is prepared to challenge any attempt by Washington to assert unilateral control over the strategic waterway, raising the risk of further confrontation.