Strait of Hormuz traffic halts as US threatens indefinite blockade on Iran

Maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has ground to a near standstill, with only two vessels recorded transiting the vital waterway on Friday, a stark contrast to the more than 130 ships that typically pass daily. This dramatic reduction follows a series of attacks on commercial ships, prompting a strong response from the United States.

“

Indefinitely, the United States Navy can maintain a blockade like that because we'll rotate ships in and out, as we have, and we'll continue to.

The US has warned that it possesses the capability to maintain a naval blockade of Iran indefinitely. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US Navy can sustain its presence in the region through ship rotations, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated plans to inflict unprecedented financial damage on Iran. These measures are part of a broader strategy to exert economic pressure on the country.

“

Watch this space for more announcements coming next week because we are ⁠going to apply measures like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation on a country.

Attacks on ships accusing them of transiting without permission have resumed since a ceasefire agreement in June broke down. On Thursday evening, two vessels belonging to the United Arab Emirates' Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the strait. The UAE government has blamed Iran, which has not yet commented on the incident. While some ships may pass undetected with transponders off, the recorded figures indicate a severe disruption to normal shipping operations.

“

US President Donald Trump is under pressure at home to end an unpopular war, with high fuel prices dragging down his approval ratings and potentially eroding his party's control of Congress in midterm elections in November.

The escalating tensions and the blockade are occurring under pressure for US President Donald Trump, who faces domestic concerns over high fuel prices and potential midterm election losses. Trump has previously asserted the US has "total control" over the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. The situation raises concerns about further escalation and the broader implications for international trade and regional stability.

“

Trump has repeatedly asserted the US has "total control" over the strait, through which one-fift