US-Iran Conflict: Struggle for Control Over the Strait of Hormuz Intensifies

Strait of Hormus Shipping Diverted as Iran Loses Operational Control

Control over the vital energy transit choke point has increasingly slipped away from Tehran, according to maritime tracking data. Vessel movement figures compiled by the shipping tracking service Kpler indicate that more than 80 percent of all vessel transits through the strait over a two-week period have utilized the route north of Oman’s coastline, operating under the protective presence of the US Navy. Homayoun Falakshahi, head of crude oil analysis at Kpler, noted that Iran appears to have at least partially lost its grip on the crucial corridor, where its naval forces previously possessed the capability to restrict traffic across all available channels.

Airstrikes Target Military Infrastructure and Utilities

CENTCOM reported that overnight operations struck Iranian surveillance installations, underground weapons depots, and other military infrastructure designed to degrade the state’s offensive capabilities. In contrast, Iranian state media and officials accused Washington of targeting civilian assets. State television reported explosions in the southern cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas, citing damage to bridges, an airport, and maritime infrastructure. Furthermore, the government press service stated that a seawater desalination plant in Jask was bombed, temporarily cutting off the drinking water supply for at least 10,000 residents in the Hormusgan province.

Retaliatory Strikes Across the Gulf Region

Kuwait and Bahrain came under renewed fire, while explosions were also reported in Saudi Arabia and Jordan. State media outlets in Iran claimed that an attack in Jordan destroyed at least two US fighter jets alongside three other aircraft, and an energy and desalination plant in Kuwait sustained a fire following a direct impact. In support of the campaign, the Wall Street Journal reported that the United States relocated additional fighter jets from European bases to the Middle East, while Axios noted that Washington informed Israel of plans to deploy dozens of additional aerial refueling tankers to the theater.

Political Posturing and Threats Over Transit Routes

The renewed hostilities have effectively stalled a framework agreement signed a month prior that aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormus to unhindered international shipping. Tensions have further spiked over potential toll collections and alternate routing proposals. While a preliminary understanding theoretically permitted Tehran to levy transit fees after an initial grace period, energy market analysts point out that regional states have resisted such measures. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued stark warnings against the Sultanate of Oman over ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran regarding a proposed fourth shipping route, stating on Fox News that any interference with US strategic interests would face severe military retaliation.