13 claims we've investigated involving Strait of Hormuz

As the Iran war disrupted global oil shipments, we examined claims involving gas prices, political threats and the use of nuclear weapons. Published July 18, 2026 The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important energy routes, carrying about one-fifth of global oil and petroleum product consumption. The war with Iran effectively closed the waterway, disrupting shipping and contributing to volatile oil prices. Although a June 2026 agreement was intended to reopen the strait, renewed exchanges of fire between the United States and Iran delayed that process. Commercial traffic slowed again, leading to uncertainty over when vessels would be able to pass through safely and reliably. The war has fueled a wave of rumors regarding the critical waterway. Below are 13 claims about the Strait of Hormuz that we've investigated: Sources Alashray, Enas, and Tala Ramadan. 'US Launches New Round of Strikes against Iran as Escalation Threatens Shipping'. Reuters, 15 July 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-threatens-block-more-vital-seaways-trump-orders-renewed-iran-blockade-2026-07-15/.Amid Regional Conflict, the Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical Oil Chokepoint - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65504. Accessed 15 July 2026.Saul, Jonathan, and Florence Tan. 'Hormuz Traffic Slows to Two-Month Low as Renewed US, Iran Strikes Raise Safety Risk'. Reuters, 13 July 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hormuz-traffic-slows-multi-week-low-renewed-us-iran-strikes-raise-safety-risk-2026-07-13/.Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/report/global_oil.php. Accessed 15 July 2026.'US and Iran Sign Initial Deal to End War, Ease Sanctions and Open Strait as Nuclear Talks Continue'. AP News, 17 June 2026, https://apnews.com/article/iran-us-israel-war-oil-deal-june-17-2026-19652f4611b704c0a991bf1f5bc9a4b9. By Aleksandra Wrona Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw, Poland, area. Article Tags