Iran disputes Trump claims as Strait of Hormuz traffic nears three-month lows
Shipping volumes fall to lowest levels in months as geopolitical tensions persist following the 2026 conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
The Persian Strait Gulf Authority has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked and will not be reopened until Iran’s conditions are accepted, directly contradicting claims made by Donald Trump regarding the status of the waterway. The assertion from the regional authority underscores the ongoing stalemate in diplomatic efforts to restore normal shipping operations in the critical energy corridor.
Shipping traffic in the region has fallen to near three-month lows, reflecting the continued disruption to global energy supply chains. The decline in vessel movements comes amidst heightened tensions following the conflict launched by the United States and Israel in Iran on 28 February 2026.
The dispute over the strait’s status follows a period of market volatility. Crude oil prices initially surged after President Trump hardened his stance on Iran, demanding compensation for war damages and making a near-term deal appear unlikely. However, market prices later reversed after reports suggested that talks between Oman and Iran had reached an advanced stage.
On 11 June 2026, US and Iranian officials had indicated progress toward an interim peace deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite that earlier optimism, the current position of the Persian Strait Gulf Authority suggests that the diplomatic breakthroughs of June have not translated into a functional reopening of the chokepoint.
Recent increases in oil prices have been driven by fears of supply disruptions following attacks on vessels in the Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea. Compounding these supply risks, an oil spill near Oman continues to worsen, with response efforts complicated by uncertainty regarding the vessel’s origin and the cause of the breach.
The current blockage and the associated drop in shipping traffic highlight the fragility of the interim arrangements. While the Persian Strait Gulf Authority maintains that the strait is closed pending specific Iranian conditions, the contradiction with Trump’s claims leaves the market in a state of uncertainty regarding when, or if, normal trade flows will resume.
