US says it’s clearing Hormuz traffic

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Published: 2026-09-14T12:10:31.507Z • Permanent link

US officials have announced that they are clearing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, amid rising oil prices and concerns over global energy security. The move, which was made public on August 25, comes after months of tensions between the United States and Iran over the Trump administration's decision to withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and reimpose sanctions on Tehran.

The announcement was made by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who stated that the US had secured a commitment from Iran to allow US ships to pass through the strait freely. Pompeo also warned Iran against any attempts to disrupt shipping traffic, stating that the US would take "all necessary measures" to protect its interests.

The decision to clear the strait follows a series of high-profile incidents involving Iranian naval vessels and US warships, including a confrontation in April between US Navy personnel and Iranian speedboats in the Gulf. The incident sparked a diplomatic row between the two countries, with Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issuing a statement accusing the US of "aggression" and the US Navy responding by deploying additional personnel to the region.

Rising oil prices are sending shockwaves through the financial markets, with Brent crude futures breaching $100 per barrel for the first time in seven years. The move has significant implications for companies that rely on oil exports, including Saudi Aramco, the state-owned oil giant of Saudi Arabia. The price spike is also putting pressure on energy companies that are struggling to maintain profitability in a low-margin industry.

The price surge has also sparked concerns among researchers at the International Energy Agency (IEA), who warn that it could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. "The price increase is a wake-up call for the industry," said a senior IEA official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "It highlights the need for greater investment in renewable energy and more efficient energy production."

The impact of the price surge will also be felt in the US, where a number of energy companies are struggling to maintain profitability in a low-margin industry. Companies such as ExxonMobil and Chevron have already announced plans to cut production in response to the price decline, which has been exacerbated by the US-China trade war.