Trump Calls for Free Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
President Trump is urging for toll-free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, countering Iran’s assertions about “controlled waters” and potential tolls. The U.S. is enforcing tight restrictions with blockades while applying economic sanctions and working with Gulf allies to amplify pressure on Iran’s nuclear pursuits and regional activities.
Interestingly, just hours before Trump’s announcement regarding a potential peace deal with Iran, a maritime tracking device failed close to the UAE’s key oil hub, causing concern among transport vessels in the region, according to maritime expert AI Maritime.
Windward AI, a maritime intelligence firm, noticed interruptions in the automatic identification system (AIS) near Fujairah, indicating an increase in electronic conflict, jamming, and possible cyber disruptions affecting the vital oil ports in the UAE.
Windward mentioned in a post that, “Fujairah goes dark: AIS communications collapse after Iran’s PGSA announcement.” They observed that vessels are lingering in the area, with some cargo diminished and many stuck on reefs.
Gulf Shipping Industry Faces Challenges Amid Iran Tensions
Despite complications, Fujairah managed to ship 1.35 million barrels of crude oil to South Korea on Sunday, following Trump’s remark that a deal with Iran was “largely negotiated” and might lead to reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Windward noted that while this shipment doesn’t signify a full return to normal operations, it does suggest some resumption of activity from Fujairah after Trump’s announcement.
Just before this transfer, Trump declared that the U.S. and Tehran were “nearly completed” on a memorandum for peace, even sharing an AI-generated image of an IRGC speedboat exploding in the strait.
Iran’s Firm Stance on Control of the Strait
Iran has made clear that the Strait of Hormuz is under its control. An Iranian military spokesperson, Ibrahim al-Fiqar, stated that any agreement would not change their claim of absolute control over the strait. They stressed that only Tehran can determine maritime routes and regulations.
Since Iran established its Persian Gulf Straits Authority on May 20, oil transfer activities have increased alongside efforts to broker a deal with the U.S.
The PGSA, supervised by the IRGC Navy, demands vessels to submit detailed information, including about cargo and crew, while also imposing mandatory payments for safe passage.
Experts suggest that Iran’s claims extend beyond its waters into territory linked to Oman and the UAE.
Emerging Economic and Military Strategies
Alex Vatanka from the Middle East Institute pointed out that Iran’s enforcement relies on an asymmetrical approach, utilizing fast boats, drones, and selective intimidation rather than brute force.
He mentioned that Iran aims for Gulf states and major importing nations to gradually view its monitoring of Hormuz as an acceptable geopolitical reality. Amid ongoing negotiations focused on nuclear issues, the PGSA acts as a significant economic leverage point, potentially threatening global oil and shipping operations.
Vatanka added that the PGSA allows Iran to pressure its rivals while easing transit for allies, effectively normalizing surveillance by the IRGC on a crucial energy route. He suggested it functions as a sort of extortion mechanism during wartime.
The system requires ships to submit data for approval but also hints at unofficial payments for favorable treatment, leading to unclear penalties for non-compliance. This creates enough pressure to ensure adherence without entirely blocking the strait.
