Iran says initiative in the Strait of Hormuz remains in Iranian hands
Iranian armed forces spokesman dismisses US claims as a failed psychological operation
Iranian armed forces say initiative in the Strait of Hormuz remains with Iran; US claims are dismissed as psychological warfare.
Tehran – IRNA reports that Sardar Abolfazl Shakarchi, senior spokesman for Iran’s armed forces, said on Saturday night that the initiative in the Strait of Hormuz remains in Iran’s hands. He described the CENTCOM commander’s claim that US forces have escorted tankers and exported one billion barrels of oil over the past two months as a 'psychological operation' and said it does not reflect reality, asserting that the initiative remains with Iran's armed forces. The remarks were published by IRNA on Sept. 19, 2026.