Conflicting Claims by Iran and the US Regarding the Strait of Hormuz

12-Jun-2026 01:40 PM

New Delhi: Conflicting claims are being made by the US and Iran regarding the status of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway of immense commercial importance. The US has stated that the route through Hormuz is fully open and that vessel movement is taking place under the surveillance of the US Navy.

On the other hand, Iran maintains that the Strait of Hormuz is entirely under its control and that no vessel can pass through this route without its permission.

The Strait of Hormuz is currently closed. It is understood that Iran is levying a hefty toll for allowing vessels to pass through this waterway; for large ships and oil tankers, this amount is reported to be as high as ₹19 crore.

India's import and export activities are also being affected by the lack of security along the Strait of Hormuz route. Countries across West Asia, the Middle East, and the Gulf region—including Iran—are major buyers of various Indian products, most notably Basmati rice and spices (particularly small cardamom). Conversely, India imports mineral oil, gas, and dry fruits from the Gulf nations.