Iran says its still enforcing Strait of Hormuz blockade despite reports to the contrary

Iran’s military claimed Friday it maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz, even as ships make their way through the waterway. 

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said forces blocked three ships seeking to make their way through the channel, and its navy alleged the strait is “closed.” The military said President Donald Trump made “false statements” that the channel is open, and claimed that any movement through it will receive a “harsh response,” according to Fars News Agency, an Iranian state media outlet. 

“This morning, following the false statements of the corrupt U.S. president claiming that the Strait of Hormuz is open, three container ships of different nationalities moved toward the designated corridor for authorized vessel traffic, but were turned back after warnings from the IRGC Navy,” the Guard’s statement read. 

Iran blocked two Chinese-flagged ships, as well as a Marshall Islands-flagged ship, according to the Foundation for Defense of