Iran Demonstrates Control over Strait of Hormuz After Peace Talks with US Fail
Iran demonstrated its control over the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday (23/4/2026) after peace negotiations with the United States failed. Tehran released video footage of commando forces storming a large cargo ship, underscoring their dominance over this critical global shipping route.
Iranian state television broadcast recordings of masked troops approaching the ship MSC Francesca with speedboats. They climbed the ship’s hull using rope ladders while brandishing weapons. The footage also featured another vessel, Epaminondas. Iran claimed both ships were detained for transiting without permission.
Meanwhile, Washington stated it had boarded another tanker, Majestic, in the Indian Ocean. The vessel is suspected of carrying around two million barrels of crude oil. This action indicates that maritime tensions persist despite diplomatic efforts.
Since the war with the US and Israel broke out in February, Iran has effectively restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz for foreign vessels. The situation has grown more tense after the latest peace talks failed to continue. Nevertheless, Iran remains open to attending a new meeting in Pakistan, provided the US blockade is lifted and their ships are released.
US President Donald Trump claimed that Washington has full control over the strait. However, data from analytics firms show that Iranian oil exports continue unabated. In the past week, millions of barrels of Iranian oil have passed through the route without significant hindrance.
These tensions are beginning to impact the global economy. Energy prices have risen, while industrial and service activities have slowed. Trump has even ordered the navy to take firm action against Iranian ships laying mines, though he did not detail other measures being implemented on the ground.
From Tehran, high-ranking officials affirmed that the seized ships will be processed according to the law. Iran is also reportedly beginning to collect revenue from transiting vessels. However, they emphasised that they will not fully open the strait until the US lifts the blockade, which they consider a violation of the ceasefire.
The situation within Iran remains tense. Citizens are living under the shadow of potential new conflict after weeks of attacks. Diplomatic efforts are still underway, including plans for talks in Pakistan, though Iran’s attendance remains uncertain.
Amid the impasse, global markets are moving fluctuantly. Oil prices have risen again, while stock exchanges have shown mixed movements in various countries. To date, Washington’s primary goal in the conflict—to curb Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities—has not been fully achieved.