Tensions over the Strait of Hormuz escalated on Thursday as US forces redirected additional commercial vessels, while Iran disputed President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” and maintained that the key waterway remains closed.

The escalating confrontation is disrupting commercial shipping and placing further pressure on global energy markets, with concerns growing over the impact on oil flows and international trade, Times Kuwait reported.

US Forces Redirect More Ships Near Hormuz

US military forces have redirected additional commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz as Washington tightens its blockade of Iran. By Thursday, US forces were reported to have redirected 59 vessels, underscoring the growing disruption to shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Iran, meanwhile, continues to reject Washington’s claims over control of the waterway and maintains that the strait remains blocked. The standoff comes as markets closely monitor developments around the strategic passage, through which major volumes of global energy supplies normally move.