U.S. Dismisses Iran's Threat to Blockade, Shipping Continues in Hormuz

The Trump administration has stated that shipping continues in the Strait of Hormuz despite Iran's declaration to re-establish a blockade. The U.S. noted that while mines remain in the central route of the strait, the military has secured a southern bypass route to escort vessels, asserting that Iran's threat is no longer an effective leverage in nuclear negotiations.

On June 21, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright told Fox News and ABC in a broadcast interview that 67 vessels passed through the Strait on June 20, while 55 vessels transited the day before. He emphasized that the volume of crude oil and petroleum products is nearly at pre-war levels, indicating that transit through the strait is proceeding smoothly.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy transport route connecting the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Disruptions in shipping could directly impact international oil prices and energy costs, as oil and liquefied natural gas from the Middle East flow through this strait to global markets.

Wright explained that mines laid by Iran remain in the central route of the strait. He described the navigation options as the central route, the northern route near Iranian islands, and the southern route secured by the U.S. military, which has been escorting vessels through the southern route for several weeks.

Previously, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy announced plans to close the Strait again, citing ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon. However, the U.S. countered that Iran does not effectively control the strait and that vessel operations continue.

Wright argued that Iran's ability to use blockade threats as a bargaining chip has diminished. He stated, "The U.S. has returned transit through the strait to normal levels without any cooperation from Iran," adding that Iran no longer possesses the same leverage in negotiations as before.

However, it is difficult to conclude that the situation in the strait is entirely stable. Fox News reported, citing shipping information provider Windward, that commercial vessel transit significantly decreased following Iran's blockade threat, with only 12 vessels counted on June 21 and minimal movement from European and neutral vessels. This trend contrasts with the transit figures provided by the U.S. government the previous day.

Wright also refuted criticisms that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) grants excessive benefits to Iran. He stated, "What Iran gains is merely the ability to sell oil again," asserting that the U.S. has demonstrated its capability to prevent Iran from selling any crude oil over the past two months.

He emphasized that the release of frozen funds and additional economic support for Iran depends on progress in nuclear negotiations. Wright stated, "If there is no meaningful and verifiable progress in nuclear talks, Iran will not receive the release of frozen funds," explaining that the incentives mentioned by President Trump involve Iran returning to being a normal country.

Regarding international oil prices and U.S. gasoline prices, he predicted a continued downward trend. Wright noted, "The flow of oil and natural gas has already returned to normal levels, and this trend will continue," adding that increased production in the U.S., expanded output in Venezuela, and cooperation with other energy-producing nations will contribute to price stability.

* This article has been translated by AI.