As Strait of Hormuz transit drops, Trump again says US has ‘control’

Key Points:

• Former US President Donald Trump asserted on Truth Social that the United States has "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and vowed to maintain it, despite ongoing conflict and reduced maritime traffic in the area.
• Iran continues to assert its influence over the strait, engaging in talks with Oman on future management and insisting that full maritime traffic will not resume until the US lifts its naval blockade, sanctions, and unfreezes Iranian assets.
• Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped dramatically to just eight ships on a recent day, compared to a pre-war average of 130 to 140 ships daily, due to heightened threats and obstacles amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
• Peace efforts remain stalled, with Pakistan seeking to mediate talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia, while the US and Iran's brief June ceasefire dissolved in mid-July, leading to renewed hostilities including attacks by Yemen-based Houthis.
• Analysts criticize Trump's claims as disconnected from reality, noting that Iran retains the capability to disrupt strait traffic, and dispute US Energy Secretary statements about oil flow returning to near pre-war levels, citing lack of supporting evidence.