Tensions over the strategic Strait of Hormuz have intensified, with the United States and Iran both claiming control of the vital waterway as renewed military attacks continue to disrupt shipping and drive up global fuel prices.
Ships were seen navigating the strait on Saturday as the administration of United States President Donald Trump continued to assert that the US Navy was in control of the key passage, through which about 20 per cent of the world’s traded oil moved before the outbreak of the conflict.
Trump and senior members of his administration have maintained that oil flows through the Gulf are recovering to near pre-war levels.
US Vice President JD Vance said at a press briefing on Thursday that the US Navy had escorted vessels carrying about 15 million barrels of oil through the strait on Wednesday.
The claim followed remarks by Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who told CNBC on Wednesday that approximately 17 million barrels of oil had passed through the waterway on Monday with assistance from the US Navy.
Before the conflict began, about 20 million barrels of Gulf oil were transported through the Strait of Hormuz daily.
However, independent maritime tracking companies have reported that vessel traffic through the strategic waterway remains significantly below pre-war levels.
The situation has been further complicated by renewed US strikes on targets in Iran and retaliatory attacks by Tehran across the region this week, hampering efforts to restore normal shipping activity.
The disruption has also intensified pressure on consumers globally, with fuel prices climbing sharply in several countries.
In the United States, the average price of diesel rose to $5.85 per gallon, its highest level since the conflict began.
In the United Kingdom, petrol prices also climbed to their highest point in six months, reaching 163 pence per litre.
The continued uncertainty over access to the Strait of Hormuz has raised concerns about further disruptions to global energy supplies, with prolonged instability potentially putting additional pressure on oil and fuel prices.
