U.S. and Iran Fight for Control of Strait of Hormuz

The conflict between the United States and Iran has reached a stalemate six months after Donald Trump and the Government of Israel launched Operation Epic Fury on February 28, 2026. The initial campaign, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has evolved into a struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz. Iran effectively shut the waterway on March 1, causing commodity traffic to collapse and stranding approximately 6,000 seafarers.

Since May, the United States military has established a protected southern corridor near Oman, using ships, helicopters, and aircraft to intercept Iranian drones and missiles. U.S. Central Command reports that over 1,000 vessels have transited the strait under this protection. However, the security situation remains volatile; at least 15 ships have been hit since June, including 18 vessels belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. Logistics for U.S. forces have been further complicated by the destruction of the U.S. Navy base in Manama, Bahrain, forcing supply ships to divert to Diego Garcia.

Economic warfare remains a central pillar of the strategy. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expanded sanctions against Tehran in what he termed an economic D-Day, reducing Iranian oil exports by roughly 85%. While U.S. officials claim oil flows are recovering, shipping data from Kpler indicates August exports averaged only 2.2 million barrels per day, significantly below prewar levels. The U.S. Navy continues to enforce a blockade of Iranian ports to restrict Tehran's revenue as the Trump administration faces domestic pressure from energy-driven inflation.