Strait of Hormuz: 14 claims we've investigated

In August 2026, the critical waterway was still effectively closed after months of war between the U.S. and Iran. Published Aug. 15, 2026 The Strait of Hormuz plays a major role in global energy markets, with about one-fifth of worldwide oil and petroleum product consumption usually passing through the waterway. The ongoing U.S. war with Iran left the sea passage largely closed to commercial traffic, disrupting shipping and adding uncertainty to oil markets. A June 2026 agreement between the United States and Iran was meant to help reopen the strait, but the deal later collapsed. In early August 2026, Iran and Oman were discussing a new arrangement for shipping through the the waterway, but disagreements over how it would work, as well as the wider U.S.-Iran demands, have kept it from fully reopening. As of Aug. 12, traffic was still far below normal. As the conflict continued, multiple rumors about the strait spread on social media. Below are 14 claims about the Strait of Hormuz that we've investigated: Sources EIA. "Amid Regional Conflict, the Strait of Hormuz Remains Critical Oil Chokepoint - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)." 2024.Hafezi, Parisa, and Timour Azhari. "Proposed Hormuz Deal Would Give Iran Control of Inbound Traffic, Sources Say." Reuters, 5 Aug. 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-iran-having-very-good-discussions-trump-says-2026-08-05/. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.Holland, Steve, and Jacob Bogage. "Hopes for Hormuz Deal Fade as Trump Demands Iranian Reparations." Reuters, 9 Aug. 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iran-ties-hormuz-reopening-us-concessions-several-demands-2026-08-09/. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.Price, Michelle L, et al. "Senior US Officials Dictate Memorandum With Iran to Journalists." 17 June 2026.Reuters Staff. "Hormuz Shipping Traffic Falls to One-Week Low Amid Hostilities." Reuters, 12 Aug. 2026, https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hormuz-shipping-traffic-falls-one-week-low-amid-hostilities-2026-08-12/. Accessed 12 Aug. 2026.U.S. Energy Information Administration. "Short-Term Energy Outlook - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)." 11 Apr. 2023. By Aleksandra Wrona Aleksandra Wrona is a reporting fellow for Snopes, based in the Warsaw, Poland, area. Article Tags