Iranian officials have rejected assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump that Washington maintains complete authority over the Strait of Hormuz. The Persian Strait Gulf Authority stated on Wednesday that the waterway remains closed and will only reopen once Tehran’s demands are met, directly contradicting Trump’s recent claims about American control of the strategic passage.
Shipping data paints a picture of significant disruption in the region. According to trade intelligence firm Kpler, vessel traffic through Hormuz has dropped to near its lowest levels in three months, with an average of approximately 13 ships transiting daily. This represents a dramatic 90 percent decline from the pre-conflict average of 130 daily transits that occurred before military actions in February.
Both nations have adopted increasingly rigid negotiating positions. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council has issued extensive demands for reopening the strait, including cessation of naval blockades, removal of sanctions, withdrawal of American forces, and reparations. Meanwhile, a senior Iranian military advisor claimed that recent military engagements have demonstrated American weakness and lack of strategic direction, suggesting Tehran’s objective is to establish sufficient deterrence rather than achieve outright victory.
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