Trump Declares 'Total Control' Over Strait of Hormuz Amid Blockade
US President Donald Trump has emphatically stated that Washington "totally controls" the strategic Strait of Hormuz, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a "tremendous success." In a recent interview with CNBC, Trump reinforced the effectiveness of this strategy, asserting, "The blockade has been a tremendous success. They said two days ago, we will open the strait. I said, no, we’re not going to open the strait until we have a final deal..." He added, "We totally control the strait, just so you understand," making it clear that the blockade will persist until a comprehensive agreement is reached with Tehran.
Background and Escalation of the US Blockade
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints, facilitating a substantial portion of global oil trade. The US imposed the blockade on April 13, targeting all vessels entering or leaving Iranian coastal waters, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. On April 16, restrictions were expanded to include Iranian vessels operating on the high seas and ships suspected of carrying goods that could aid Iran’s war effort. This move is part of a broader attempt by Washington to pressure Tehran into negotiations.
According to the US Central Command, the Navy has directed at least 28 vessels to turn back toward Iranian ports since the blockade began. American forces have also detained one container ship in the Gulf of Oman and boarded a sanctioned tanker in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring efforts to enforce the embargo.
Contradictory Data: 34 Tankers Evade Restrictions
Despite Trump's claims of tight control, data from maritime tracking firm Vortexa reveals a more complex reality. At least 34 tankers linked to Iran have managed to bypass the blockade, with 19 exiting the Gulf and 15 entering, indicating continued vessel movement despite heightened restrictions. Among these ships, several were carrying Iranian crude oil, with at least six tankers confirmed to be transporting around 10.7 million barrels. Given that Iranian crude typically sells at a discount to Brent prices, this volume could translate into roughly $910 million in revenue for Tehran.
How Tankers Are Slipping Through the Blockade
One notable vessel is the Iranian-flagged supertanker Dorena, which reportedly evaded detection by switching off its transponder, a device used to signal a ship’s identity and location. Satellite imagery analyzed in March showed the vessel engaging in a ship-to-ship transfer near Malaysia, a common tactic to disguise the origin of oil shipments. The tanker was last tracked off the southern coast of India.
Other sanctioned vessels, including Murlikishan and Alicia, also moved through the Strait of Hormuz and into the Gulf, despite US restrictions. Both ships had been sanctioned by Washington last year but were still able to navigate the contested waters.
Rising Tensions and Iranian Assertions
The situation in the Strait has become increasingly volatile, with Iran asserting its own control over the waterway. Tehran has insisted that all vessels must follow designated routes set by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and obtain prior approval before passing through. Iranian authorities briefly declared the strait "completely open," but later clarified that access would be conditional.
Tensions escalated further after Iranian forces opened fire on multiple vessels, including a French container ship and an Indian tanker, on April 18. These incidents triggered a sharp decline in maritime traffic, with many ships either turning back or remaining anchored in the Gulf amid rising security concerns. Iran also seized two vessels on April 22, including one reportedly bound for Gujarat, intensifying concerns about the safety of shipping through this critical energy corridor.
Diplomatic Efforts and Future Uncertainties
As per reports, shipowners have described the situation as a "double blockade," with US naval enforcement on one side and Iranian restrictions on the other. The overlapping controls have created significant uncertainty, forcing many operators to halt or delay transit through the region.
These developments unfold even as diplomatic efforts continue. Trump recently announced an indefinite extension of the ceasefire to allow time for a "unified proposal" from Iran. However, Tehran has not formally acknowledged the extension and has criticized the US blockade as "unacceptable," raising doubts over the future of negotiations.
