President Donald J. Trump said Monday that the Strait of Hormuz is open and the United States has total control over the waterway [1].
The assertion comes as tensions with Iran persist over the strategic maritime corridor, which serves as a primary artery for global oil shipments. Any disruption to the flow of tankers through the strait can trigger immediate volatility in international energy markets.
Speaking during a press briefing at the White House, the president said U.S. dominance in the region is maintained [3]. He said the U.S. maintains full authority over the passage to ensure it remains available for international transit [1].
However, recent data suggests a significant decline in actual traffic through the region. On Tuesday, only eight vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz [2]. This figure represents a sharp drop from the typical pre-war daily traffic, which averaged between 130 and 140 vessels [2].
The president also said that no extension is being sought for the deal with Iran [1]. This stance aligns with a broader strategy to maintain pressure on Tehran regarding its regional activities and maritime conduct.
U.S. naval assets have maintained a presence in the Persian Gulf to deter interference with commercial shipping. The administration's insistence on total control serves as a signal to both allies and adversaries that the U.S. will not permit the closure of the strait, a move that would likely escalate the conflict into a direct military confrontation.
“the United States has total control over it”
The gap between the president's claim of 'total control' and the reported drop in vessel traffic from over 130 to just eight ships suggests a high level of perceived risk among commercial shippers. While the U.S. may possess the military capacity to keep the strait open, the actual utility of the waterway depends on the willingness of commercial entities to risk transit during periods of heightened geopolitical instability.
