Iran Equates Hormuz Control to Atomic Bomb Amid Stalled US Talks

The Strait of Hormuz, a 21‑mile channel linking the Persian Gulf to the open ocean, handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments. Any disruption can ripple through energy markets, inflation rates and supply chains worldwide.

Senior adviser Mohamad Mokhber told state‑linked Mehr news agency that the strait represents “a capability on the level of an atomic bomb,” because a single decision could affect the entire global economy. He added that Iran will not relinquish the control it gained during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

Iranian officials also claim recent US actions have solidified Tehran’s rights over the waterway, removing the threat of further sanctions. First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref said the latest US behavior has “cemented” Iran’s view of the strait, allowing Tehran to manage the passage without fearing punitive measures.

Despite the rhetoric, Iran’s foreign ministry confirmed it is still reviewing the latest US proposal for a negotiated settlement. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Tehran is taking its time, noting that the United States’ deadline expectations do not dictate Iran’s response schedule.

The statements come as US‑Iran talks continue through intermediaries, with no breakthrough reported. Both sides exchange text messages, but hard‑line elements in Tehran appear to be leveraging the strait’s strategic value to extract concessions.

What it means: Iran’s framing of Hormuz control as a nuclear‑level lever signals a willingness to use the chokepoint as bargaining power. By asserting that sanctions are no longer a threat, Tehran aims to shift the negotiation dynamic in its favor. The United States must decide whether to accommodate Iran’s demands, risk a disruption of oil flows, or increase pressure through naval operations.

Watch for the next round of diplomatic messages and any operational changes by US warships in the strait, which could indicate whether the rhetoric will translate into concrete action.