Trump declares strait of Hormuz open again

Judging by his recent statements, the struggle to open the Strait of Hormuz appears to be over for US President Donald Trump. At the White House, he stated that following a mine-clearing operation, the strait is once again navigable for ships and is “one hundred percent” controlled by the US. He added that although Iran occasionally lays a mine, it is always found and neutralised. Trump also demanded compensation payments from the leadership in Tehran.

Iran, which threatens merchant ships with drones, did not initially respond to the statements. The Islamic Republic had previously made the opening of the seaway conditional on concessions from the US and its allies, intending to charge fees for passage. As recently as Sunday, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the threat level in the strait remains serious. This is due to attacks on merchant ships and other harassment by the powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guards.

The warring parties have long been fighting for the complete reopening of the de facto blockaded Strait of Hormuz, through which a large portion of oil exports from the Gulf states is handled. Iran's National Security Council has demanded several conditions for this. These include an end to all US threats against the Islamic Republic; the lifting of the naval blockade of Iranian ports; a withdrawal of US forces from the region; and full financial compensation for war damages. Iran had previously stated these demands as preconditions for negotiations with the US.

Before the war, shipping was largely undisturbed

Before the war against Iran, which was started by the US and Israel at the end of February, shipping in the strait between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman proceeded largely without disruption. Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply was transported through the Strait of Hormuz. The route is also crucial for the transport of liquefied natural gas and fertiliser.

After the war began, Iran brought shipping traffic to a near standstill with threats and attacks on vessels. Consequently, global market prices for oil and gas surged. According to Vice President JD Vance, the US government aims to restore oil and gas transport through the Strait of Hormuz to pre-war levels.

Trump demands compensation payments from Tehran

Additionally, Trump made compensation payments a condition for further negotiations to resolve the conflict, a stance the Iranian leadership has also held for some time. He wrote on his platform, Truth Social, that Iran should pay for every victim whose death or injury is attributable to the regime in Tehran. He also stated that the families of protesters killed over the past 50 years must be compensated.

Trump further demanded that Iran be held accountable for killings and damages in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. He has instructed his representatives to emphatically raise this point in all future negotiations. The Republican did not specify the amount of the compensation demanded.

Wadephul demands unconditional opening of the seaway

Meanwhile, German foreign minister Johann Wadephul urged Iran in a phone call with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, to “finally enter into constructive negotiations with its neighbours in the region and the US to end the conflict.” He wrote on the platform X that the Strait of Hormuz must be opened unconditionally to ensure free and safe shipping for all.

Iran, however, does not appear to be yielding to US pressure. On the contrary, foreign ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai wrote on X that US treasury secretary Scott Bessent had boasted of “suffocating” Iran with economic sanctions. Baghai added that whenever the US government is unable to pursue diplomatic channels, it resorts to imposing more and more sanctions. “It is an addiction that has supplanted thought itself,” he scoffed.

Bessent had stated in early May that the US would “suffocate” Iran through economic and financial pressure. The US government most recently intensified pressure on the country with new sanctions at the end of July.

Tehran appoints new military leadership

Meanwhile, Iran has appointed six new military leaders. The decrees for the new appointments were published on a Telegram channel that shares news from Iran's supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Two appointments are particularly noteworthy. Ahmad Vahidi has been promoted to the rank of general and formally appointed commander-in-chief of the Revolutionary Guards, a role he had already held de facto since his predecessor's death. Additionally, the paramilitary Basij militia will be led by intelligence veteran Hossein Taeb.

The new appointments could serve to bring more structural order to the leadership, especially after US-Israeli airstrikes targeted military figures at the start of the Iran war. The appointments can also be interpreted as a sign that Tehran may be transitioning from an acute crisis mode towards formalising and consolidating its power structure.

Iranian media showed pictures of the appointment ceremony, but Khamenei was not visible. He has not made a public appearance since his appointment as the new supreme leader more than four months ago. Since then, there has been much speculation about his whereabouts and health.