Hormuz Strait Under Scrutiny: US Claims Open Traffic vs Independent Data

The United States says the Strait of Hormuz is open and heavily trafficked, even claiming control, while Iran asserts it remains in charge and only pre-approved vessels may pass. Independent ship-tracking data, however, show far fewer transits than US figures suggest, highlighting differences in counting methods (cargo vs all vessels, including support ships) and data gaps from vessels switching off trackers. The discrepancy reflects the broader US-Iran confrontation over control of the strategic chokepoint amid ongoing warfare-related tensions and mine risks.