Former President Donald Trump has recently asserted that the United States holds "total control" over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies. This claim has been a recurring theme in his rhetoric, though it faces direct opposition from the Iranian government, which rejects the notion of American authority over the waterway.

The geopolitical tension surrounding the strait has had a measurable impact on maritime activity. According to reports, transit through the region has plummeted, with only eight vessels recorded crossing on a recent Tuesday. This represents a stark decline from the typical volume of 130 to 140 vessels seen prior to the current period of conflict and stalled peace negotiations.

While the outlets agree on the decline in traffic and the nature of Trump's claims, they differ in their focus. Al Jazeera emphasizes the statistical drop in shipping activity as a consequence of the ongoing war and diplomatic stalemate. In contrast, NDTV focuses on the political friction, highlighting the direct contradiction between Trump’s rhetoric and the Iranian government's stance. The situation remains a point of contention, as the strategic importance of the strait makes any claim of "control" a sensitive issue for international energy markets and regional stability.