Trump Claims Control of Hormuz Strait

Attacks on commercial vessels have persisted in recent days. Last week alone, at least four ships belonging to Abu Dhabi's national oil company sustained damage from drone and missile strikes in the Strait of Hormuz.

These incidents, combined with skyrocketing insurance costs, continue to discourage shipping firms from risking the route.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), a British organization monitoring maritime activity in the region, has recorded 54 reports of damage to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Persian Gulf since the conflict began. Additionally, three ships have been lost entirely, with 13 other incidents classified as "near misses".

"Until you can guarantee safe passage through the strait, you don't have absolute control," explained Carl Schuster, former director of operations at the U.S. Pacific Command's Joint Intelligence Center.

CNN military analyst Colonel Cedric Leighton (ret.) agreed, stating: "What we have here is effectively a stalemate. Because of the proximity of American forces, because of the blockade, and because of Iran's capability and willingness to at least threaten the use of mines and small boats to harass shipping, neither side is really able to exercise full control over the strait".

Iran continues to set stringent conditions for reopening the waterway.

Senior officials in Tehran indicated this week that while negotiations with Moscow regarding management of the Strait of Hormuz are progressing, they are imposing additional demands before fully reopening the passage.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that opening the strait depends on receiving compensation from the United States for war damages and breach of understandings.

Additionally, National Security Council Secretary Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr outlined further requirements including the release of frozen Iranian assets, cessation of military operations against Iran and its regional proxies, and lifting of the naval blockade.

A senior Revolutionary Guard adviser declared this week that Iran could "extend" the conflict until Trump leaves office. "We must achieve deterrence so that the enemy will never dare attack us, so we can live in security", he said.

Despite the ongoing American naval blockade preventing ships from reaching Iranian ports, analysts offer a clear assessment: Iran holds a significant psychological and political advantage. "Iran, which is right on the strait, has the advantage of proximity. It also has the psychological and political upper hand", Schuster explained.

The strait's closure has caused economic devastation in numerous countries worldwide, and international pressure on the United States to reopen the passage is mounting.

This pressure could impact the upcoming November midterm elections in the U.S., A development that might favor Iran if a new Congress forces Trump to end the conflict on terms favorable to Tehran.

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command reported that American forces have recently diverted 53 commercial vessels, disabled two ships, and boarded two others. Simultaneously, more than 30 ships carrying humanitarian aid were permitted passage.