The White House moved quickly on Wednesday to shoot down reports that Iran had shuttered the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global chokepoint for oil.
During the first press briefing since a temporary ceasefire was announced, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump is aware of claims circulating through Iranian state media suggesting the waterway was closed following Israeli strikes in Lebanon.
Leavitt informed reporters that the President received updates on the situation shortly before she took the podium. She pushed back against the rumors, describing the prospect of a closure as “completely unacceptable” and noting that the signals coming out of Tehran are currently a mess of contradictions.
“Again, this is a case of what they’re saying publicly is different privately,” Leavitt said, pointing to a disconnect between Iranian rhetoric and actual maritime activity.
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Despite the inflammatory headlines appearing in state-run outlets, the White House maintains that the reality on the water tells a different story. Leavitt noted that officials have actually observed an “uptick of traffic” in the Strait throughout the day, contradicting the idea that tankers are being blocked or turned away.
The administration is not treating the public threats lightly, however. Leavitt underscored that the President has issued a firm “expectation and demand” that the passage remain open to ensure the safe and rapid flow of global commerce.
“It has been relayed to him privately that that is what’s taking place and these reports publicly are false,” Leavitt concluded, reiterating that the administration’s private channels suggest the vital shipping lane remains operational regardless of the public posturing.
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