Iranian judiciary chief Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei said any force seeking to challenge Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz would be defeated. The remarks, published on August 16, 2026, rejected a threat by US President Donald Trump to declare the strategic waterway US territory.

Judiciary-affiliated outlet Mizan published Mohseni Ejei’s comments. He said Iran was the “owner and ruler” of the waterway and that any aggressive or military force seeking to challenge its position there would be defeated. He described Iran’s claim over the strait as being founded on international law and national sovereignty.

Mohseni Ejei also said US warships had already failed to establish control over the waterway. He argued that Washington could not achieve through statements or social media what it had failed to accomplish militarily. The report did not provide further details about Trump’s threat or any additional official response from the United States.