Published on: April 23, 2026 21:27
Reading time: 1 min – Video: 2 min
In the Middle East, specifically in the Strait of Hormuz, everyone wants to show that they are in control. On one hand, Washington talks about taking back control; on the other hand, Tehran showcases ship seizures and wants to prove it can still disrupt maritime traffic. A battle is also being waged at sea regarding demining.
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On Thursday, April 23, Americans boarded an oil tanker using a helicopter. The scene is meant to be spectacular. On the other side, Iranians arrive by boat to also take control of another vessel. The video is punctuated with action movie-style music. The combatants, in the midst of the operation, through communications, both claim to control the Strait of Hormuz.
Among other things, the Iranians use their fleets of small boats, the famous “mosquitoes”. They have control over the narrowest part of the strait. The Iranians claim to charge a passage fee. The Americans, on the other hand, are outside the strait. A third aircraft carrier is joining the two others already present, with Americans outside the strait. In fact, they intercepted the Majestic X tanker on Thursday, April 23, far off the coast of Sri Lanka.
Ultimately, the United States do not completely have the upper hand. “It’s rather the Iranians who control the strait because they are the ones implementing coercive measures to filter the traffic. In other words, it’s really them who are saying, ‘if we don’t allow you to pass, we will shoot at you’,” asserts Sylvain Domergue, a geopolitician and specialist in naval issues.
In this maritime show of force, Donald Trump raises the stakes on Thursday: “I have ordered the US Navy to shoot and kill all boats, no matter how small, laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.” Donald Trump also claims that Americans have begun demining work in the strait. They are doing it remotely. Technology allows for it.
