Iranian authorities have countered U.S. President Donald Trump's assertions of American control over the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the waterway remains blocked until Iran's demands are met. This statement comes amid a notable decline in ship traffic, with vessel transits reported at a five-day average of around 13, a drastic reduction from the pre-conflict average of 130 ships daily.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council has outlined extensive conditions for reopening the strait, including the end of the U.S. naval blockade and sanctions relief.
Additionally, Mohammad Reza Naqdi, an advisor to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, expressed confidence in Iran's position, suggesting that the U.S. military's objectives have been inconsistent and that Iran aims to prolong the conflict to establish deterrence.
These developments could have significant implications for global oil markets, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for oil shipments