US President Donald Trump has reiterated his claim that the United States has “total control” over the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic energy shipping corridors. Trump made the statement on August 12, as the standoff with Iran and the shipping crisis in the area continue to escalate.

However, maritime traffic in the strait remains very reduced. Reported data show that only a very small number of ships are passing through this corridor, compared to over 130 ships per day before the start of the war.

Tehran, on the other hand, has shown no signs of backing down. Iran links the full reopening of Hormuz to the fulfillment of its demands on Washington, while negotiations between the two countries remain deadlocked.

At the same time, tensions have spread to other fronts in the Middle East. Israeli forces have resumed airstrikes in Gaza after more than a week, while bombings in southern Lebanon continue despite ceasefires in place.

The situation remains particularly fragile, as the clash over control of Hormuz threatens one of the main oil supply routes to world markets, while the US and Iran continue to make diametrically opposed statements on the situation in the strait.