Iran Says Only Limited Ships Are Allowed Through the Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian security source has contradicted Donald Trump’s claim that the Strait of Hormuz has reopened and that a record number of oil tankers passed through it. Speaking to the Iranian news agency Fars, the official said the number of vessels allowed through the international shipping lane is limited and changes daily depending on conditions on the ground.

The official said, “The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz is limited. Each day a certain number of ships are allowed to pass through the strait, and that number changes daily. The scope of permits is updated according to circumstances and field conditions.”

At the same time, the foreign ministries of Iran and Oman issued a joint statement saying they are committed to ensuring safe passage through the strait under relevant international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and rights over the strait’s territorial waters. They added that both sides agreed to continue dialogue through a joint working group to reach an agreement on the future management of shipping in the strait, the services provided there, and associated costs, in line with international standards.

The Iranian statements came shortly after Trump posted that 19 million barrels of oil had passed through Hormuz the previous day, calling it “a record high” and saying oil prices were falling and “the world is a much safer place.” The article says the claims come amid ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran over opening the strait to shipping. It also notes that while the strait had been open before Operation “Roar of the Lion,” Iran now effectively controls who can pass. Market data cited in the report shows oil is trading around $74 a barrel, slightly above the previous day, which contradicts Trump’s claim of a sharp drop. The article adds that during the peak of Operation “Roar of the Lion,” oil reached $110 a barrel, so prices have indeed fallen significantly since then.