Who will control the Strait of Hormuz? Understand what is behind the new wave of attacks between the US and Iran

United States resumes bombing targets in Iran
The new attacks by the United States against Iran this Wednesday (8) are set against a dispute that goes beyond bombings: who exercises, in practice, control over the Strait of Hormuz. The maritime route is one of the most important in the world for the transport of oil and gas.
✅ Follow the g1 international news channel on WhatsApp
▶ Context: When announcing the new offensive, the US Armed Forces stated that the operation seeks to reduce Iran's ability to threaten freedom of navigation in Hormuz.
According to the Americans, the bombings are a response to attacks against commercial ships recorded on Tuesday (7).
President Donald Trump stated that the offensive is a direct retaliation for the episode and threatened to increase the attacks if new vessels are targeted by Iranian actions.
Iran did not claim responsibility for this week's attacks, but has already been accused of attacking commercial vessels crossing the region on other occasions.
The Strait of Hormuz is a maritime corridor of approximately 50 kilometers wide that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Indian Ocean. Before the war, around 20% of all oil and gas traded in the world passed through the area.
Although Iran does not own the sea route, it controls the northern coast of the strait, as well as several islands and military positions. This allows the country to monitor practically all vessel traffic in the region.
In recent years, Iran has transformed this geographical position into an instrument of political and military pressure. After the start of the war, the country closed the strait to gain an advantage at the negotiating table.
Currently, the government of Iran advocates that the world recognize the country's sovereignty over the sea route.
Control of Iran
The damaged stern of a bulk carrier operated by the South Korean company HMM, after being hit by two unidentified objects in Hormuz, in May 2026
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea/Disclosure via REUTERS
Iran does not need to completely block passage through the Strait of Hormuz to cause impacts. A simple threat of attack already increases transport costs, raises the price of maritime insurance and puts pressure on the international energy market.
The Revolutionary Guard maintains a combination of fast attack boats, coastal missile batteries, sea mines and drones capable of hitting oil tankers and other commercial vessels that fail to comply with orders in the region.
The attacks recorded this week are examples of this strategy.
A tanker transporting liquefied natural gas was hit and caught fire near the coast of Oman, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre.
Two other vessels suffered damage, but managed to continue their journey. No one was injured.
According to British authorities, the three ships were sailing along a route close to the coast of Oman, an alternative to the corridor controlled by Iran.
Iranian state television stated that one of the ships attacked had disregarded instructions from Iranian authorities. Even so, the government did not officially assume responsibility for the action.
READ ALSO
Trump government reacts to Brazil's decision allowing the return of an alleged spy to Russia
VIDEO: Trump confuses Iran with Japan and calls Zelensky Putin during a press conference
New York building that generated alert for risk of collapse is stabilized
Map released by Iran shows control in the Strait of Hormuz region
Juan Silva/g1
Dispute
In addition to questions over Iran's nuclear program, the current crisis with the United States also involves a disagreement over who can set the rules for passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
As part of a temporary agreement reached between the United States and Iran in June, the two countries agreed that ships could pass through the strait without paying duties for a period of 60 days.
Still, Iran continues to insist that it is up to the country to control vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also wants to charge a type of toll for the crossing.


According to the American press, Iranian authorities even discussed charging tolls of up to US$2 million per vessel.
The measure is criticized by maritime experts, who classify it as illegal and unfeasible.
Vehicles pass by a billboard with an image of the Strait of Hormuz and the sewn lips of US President Donald Trump, in a square in the center of Tehran, Iran, Saturday, May 2, 2026.
AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
VIDEOS: now on g1
Now on g1

Source: G1

09/07/2026

Lucky Day today: contest 1240 results and numbers drawn

09/07/2026

Iran threatens to attack other US military bases after offensive in Bahrain and Kuwait

09/07/2026

US attacks around 90 Iranian military targets

---

CANAL NO WHATSAPP

Top Cifras

Toque agora.

1 Vem Com Teu Fogo Adorazione

2 It's A Great Day (for Me To Whoop Somebody's Ass) Paul Thorn

3 Un Trocito De Cielo Jaci Velasquez

4 Balancê Sara Tavares