Trump asserts US control over Strait of Hormuz amid traffic decline

President Donald Trump has reiterated his assertion that the United States holds “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, even as maritime traffic through the vital waterway has plummeted to a one-week low. Trump made the comments in a post on Truth Social on Wednesday, following a similar statement to reporters. This comes amid ongoing tensions linked to the US-Israel war with Iran, which has complicated shipping routes and diplomatic efforts to stabilize the region.

The backdrop to Trump's comments is the ongoing conflict that began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Diplomatic attempts to restore normalcy have stalled, particularly after a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) designed to end hostilities unraveled in mid-July. As a result, Iran has sought to negotiate with Oman regarding the management of the strait, sidelining the US in these discussions. Iran has made it clear that it will not allow full shipping traffic until the US lifts its naval blockade, eases sanctions, and unfreezes Iranian assets.

Data from trade analytics platform Kpler indicates that only eight vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, dramatically lower than the pre-war rate of 130 to 140 ships. This decline is indicative of the heightened risks and obstacles faced by commercial shipping in the region, further compounded by recent military incidents, including a US Navy helicopter strike on a Panama-flagged cargo vessel. The Yemen-based Houthi movement has also escalated tensions, launching attacks on vessels in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, resulting in fatalities for the first time.

The situation remains fluid, with both the US and Iran continuing military operations while diplomatic channels remain largely inactive. The significant drop in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz highlights the broader implications of the ongoing conflict, as global trade routes become increasingly jeopardized. The outcome of these tensions could have lasting effects on regional stability and international trade.