Trump claims Hormuz Strait is open, Iran says it closed it

The strategic Strait of Hormuz has become the center of a new escalation between Iran and the United States, with both sides exchanging missile and drone attacks. Iran announced it has closed the vital waterway, through which approximately one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passed before the war. The US, however, maintains that Iran does not control the strait and that maritime traffic continues.

These latest attacks, described as a new escalation in both scope and geographic reach, saw Iran targeting facilities in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Jordan. Air defenses in these countries intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. Reports also emerged of explosions near Bandar Abbas port and the nearby island of Qeshm, areas housing military facilities along the Hormuz Strait.

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The US claims that Iran does not control the strait and that maritime traffic is still ongoing.

The renewed violence casts further doubt on the future of a temporary US-Iran agreement reached last month. This deal was intended to facilitate the reopening of the strait and conclude the war after 60 days of negotiations. US President Donald Trump had previously declared the ceasefire over but left the door open for further talks.

The conflict, initiated by the US and Israel against Iran on February 28, has significantly destabilized the Gulf region. Iran's blockade of the strait has driven up energy prices and intensified inflationary pressures, a politically sensitive issue for Trump ahead of the November congressional elections. Iran is seeking to establish a permanent system of permits and fees within the strait, warning ships against crossing without its approval.

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The US Central Command stated that its forces attacked 140 Iranian military targets, and more than 300 targets in total over three nights. The purpose of the attacks is reportedly to reduce Iran's ability to threaten merchant ships.