Competing claims over control of the vital Strait of Hormuz persist, with the United States asserting that the waterway remains open and heavily trafficked by oil tankers. President Donald Trump has stated that the U.S. Navy is escorting approximately 30 ships daily through the strait, a crucial artery through which one-fifth of the world's oil and gas passes during peacetime. These assertions come amid the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran, which has seen the strait closed for the past six months.

Iran, however, contests the U.S. narrative, maintaining that the strait remains under its jurisdiction and is only accessible to vessels that have received prior approval and use designated channels. Tehran has warned that any unauthorized ships attempting to transit the waterway risk being targeted by its forces, creating a volatile situation for international shipping.

Recent U.S. claims suggest a significant increase in shipping activity. Two U.S. officials reported to CNN that 40 commercial ships, carrying an estimated 18 million barrels of oil, transited the strait under U.S. military escort on a recent Tuesday, potentially setting a new wartime record. President Trump echoed these figures, stating on Monday that the U.S. Navy was facilitating the passage of about 30 ships each night. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent further supported these claims, estimating that "at least 10 million barrels" of oil were flowing through the strait daily, with Tuesday's figures reaching between 15 and 17 million barrels.

These statements follow remarks by U.S. CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper, who asserted last week that U.S. military forces had successfully cleared sea mines from Hormuz's transit lanes. Prior to the conflict, the strait typically saw an average of around 100 ships and 20 million barrels of oil passing through daily. However, data from PortWatch indicates a sharp decline, with an overall average of only seven vessels since March.

Despite acknowledging that some vessels are managing to pass through, Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf stated on Tuesday that Iranian forces are "in complete control of the strait and will not allow it to be opened." He accused the U.S. of providing "false guarantees" to ships, implying that their safety is not assured. This stark disagreement highlights the ongoing strategic competition and information warfare surrounding the critical maritime chokepoint.

The divergent accounts raise questions about the true extent of control and the actual volume of oil traffic. While the U.S. aims to project an image of stability and open passage, Iran seeks to assert its influence and deter maritime activity. The discrepancy between official U.S. statements and independent ship-tracking data suggests that the situation on the ground may be far more complex than either side publicly admits.

Experts suggest that the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz makes it a focal point for geopolitical maneuvering. Any disruption to the flow of oil through this waterway can have significant global economic repercussions, influencing energy prices and supply chains worldwide. The current situation underscores the heightened tensions in the region and the potential for miscalculation.

Further analysis of ship-tracking data and on-the-ground reports will be crucial in understanding the reality of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflicting narratives from the U.S. and Iran indicate a complex situation where information is likely being used as a tool in the broader conflict.