Subject
Strait of Hormuz
MediaBias News has published 95 stories involving Strait of Hormuz, from August 2026 to September 2026. Each one is scored for how well the original reporting stood up, and lists the reports it was written from.
- Conflict & Security · Middle East
US commander: Hormuz Strait mine-free, Iran oil exports zero
US Central Command chief Admiral Brad Cooper reported that the Strait of Hormuz's main shipping lanes are mine-free and that Iran has exported no oil due to US sanctions. Iran's armed forces maintain control of the strait's initiative, a spokesman said.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 20 
Business & Economy · Middle EastUS military escorted over 1 billion barrels of oil through Strait of Hormuz
The US military's Central Command stated that over one billion barrels of oil and more than 2,000 commercial vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz in recent months. CENTCOM also reported that Iran has exported no oil during this period.
Middle East4 min readTrust 86 · Craft 72 · Hype 28
Conflict & Security · Middle EastSouth Korean President Lee Jae‑myung refuses to send troops to US‑led Iran war
On 18 September 2026 President Lee Jae‑myung announced South Korea will not deploy troops or military assets to a US‑led war against Iran. He added that naval operations would only protect South Korean ships. The remark came after pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Middle East2 min readTrust 68 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Politics · Middle EastUS Sanctions Iranian Crypto Exchange BitBank for Bitcoin Transfers to IRGC
The U.S. Treasury Department has sanctioned the Iranian cryptocurrency exchange BitBank, alleging it facilitated the transfer of hundreds of millions of dollars in Bitcoin to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The transfers were reportedly linked to payments for passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41- Conflict & Security · Middle East
Iran shoots down at least two US drones, officials say
US officials have confirmed that Iranian forces shot down at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days. The exact location and specific models of the drones are not yet public.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 41 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastJD Vance: US-Iran conflict to enter new phase in months
US Vice President JD Vance said the conflict with Iran is expected to enter a "much different phase" within months. He also suggested the war could conclude shortly after the upcoming midterm elections, aligning with President Trump's predictions.
Middle East3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
Conflict & Security · Middle EastQatar warns Bab el-Mandeb Strait closure would be catastrophic
Qatar has warned that closing the Bab el-Mandeb Strait would be catastrophic for global trade and energy markets. The warning comes as Houthi forces control Red Sea islands and the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, intensifying regional tensions.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 65 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastOil tanker EL GAIA explodes after mine collision in Strait of Hormuz
An oil tanker exploded and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after colliding with mines, according to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The tanker was reportedly attempting to cross a prohibited zone. Thirteen crew members were rescued, and one remains missing.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Business & Economy · Middle EastOil Prices Rise Amid Middle East Attacks and Diplomatic Setbacks
Oil prices surged on Monday, with Brent crude reaching $107.51 per barrel and WTI crude at $102.32. Attacks by Houthi rebels on Saudi Arabia and incidents in the Strait of Hormuz contributed to the rise, alongside the postponement of a meeting between Iran and Persian Gulf powers.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41- Business & Economy · Middle East
Saudi Arabia Shuts East-West Oil Pipeline After Drone Attacks
Saudi Arabia has shut its 1,200-kilometre East-West oil pipeline following drone attacks launched from Iraq. The closure removes a key route for oil exports, potentially impacting four percent of global supply and driving up crude prices.
Middle East3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 95 · Hype 28 - Business & Economy · Africa
Somali businesses seek new trade routes amid Houthi port disruption
Somali businesses are rerouting trade due to Houthi control of a key port city and island. This has led to increased displacement in Yemen and prompted Somali businesses to seek direct shipping from countries like Sri Lanka.
Africa2 min readTrust 86 · Craft 87 · Hype 15 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS Navy SEALs Cleared Hormuz Strait Mines in Secret Operation
US Navy SEALs completed a four-month covert operation to clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz, employing divers, drones, and robotic boats. The mission aimed to secure a critical global oil route, though questions remain about the complete removal of all threats.
Middle East4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 60 · Hype 45
Conflict & Security · Middle EastRubio claims Iran behind Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has claimed Iran is behind recent Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, stating the rebels act as proxies for Tehran. The conflict is occurring amid broader regional tensions and uncertainty in oil exports.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran's Revolutionary Guards Seize US Submarine Drone in Strait of Hormuz
Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced on Tuesday they seized a U.S. unmanned submarine drone in the Strait of Hormuz. The Guards described the drone as highly advanced and equipped with the latest technology. The incident occurs amid the ongoing Middle East war and existing blockades.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 48
Business & Economy · Middle EastHouthis attack Saudi energy sites, wounding 73; oil prices surge
Houthis attacked energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, wounding 73 people and causing oil prices to rise sharply. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed amid heightened regional tensions and Iranian threats against the United States.
Middle East3 min readTrust 60 · Craft 60 · Hype 45
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran threatens US energy assets after tanker strikes
Iran has threatened to retaliate against any new US attacks on its assets, warning that American oil and gas companies in the region share the exposure of Iranian assets. The exchange follows US strikes on three Iranian oil tankers.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Business & Economy · Middle EastGoldman Sachs warns oil could hit $120 per barrel amid Middle East attacks
Goldman Sachs has warned that oil prices could surge to $120 per barrel if attacks on ships in the Middle East intensify. The bank also projected prices could fall to $80 per barrel if regional exports normalize. Brent crude was trading around $97 per barrel on 7 September 2026.
Middle East3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 95 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS economic pressure on Iran, Treasury Sec. Bessant says Hormuz may be worthless
After six months, United States began offensive against Iran, pairing a naval blockade with sanctions that cut oil revenue and limit currency access. Treasury Secretary Bessant warned at G20 that Strait of Hormuz could become a worthless waterway within two years, and Iranian insiders say the pressure is testing Tehran's ability to withstand the squeeze.
Middle East2 min readTrust 39 · Craft 69 · Hype 30
Business & Economy · United StatesEnergy Secretary Wright Predicts Lower Gas Prices
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that gasoline prices are more likely to decrease in the coming months. He based this prediction on futures market data and an expected drop in demand after the summer travel season.
United States3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 95 · Hype 45
Business & Economy · RussiaOPEC+ maintains October oil output quotas amid Iran war
OPEC+ has decided to keep its oil production quotas unchanged for October. The decision comes as the Iran war continues to disrupt oil exports, limiting the group's influence on prices and market share. Focus is now shifting towards debates over 2027 quotas.
Russia3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Conflict & Security · Middle EastVance says Iran conflict not a war, Strait of Hormuz returning to normal
US Vice President JD Vance stated the conflict with Iran is not a war and that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz is nearly back to normal. President Trump is reportedly considering declaring victory.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastSouth Korea reviews military options for Hormuz Strait
South Korea is reviewing military options, including potential asset deployment, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. While media reports suggest preparations are underway, officials state no final decision has been reached.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 41- Conflict & Security · Ukraine
Burnham and Macron Discuss SCALP Missile Production in Ukraine
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham hosted French President Emmanuel Macron in London. The leaders discussed establishing local assembly lines in Ukraine for the long-range SCALP missile, which uses British technology. They also addressed migrant crossings and de-escalation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ukraine3 min readTrust 78 · Craft 95 · Hype 35 
Politics · Middle EastSultan Haitham bin Tarik to visit UK October 20-22
Sultan Haitham bin Tarik of Oman will make a three-day state visit to the UK from October 20 to 22, hosted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla at Windsor Castle. The visit occurs during a period of heightened pressure on Oman from both the United States and Iran.
Middle East3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 65 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS Extends Middle East Troop Deployment to 2027 as Trump Considers Ending Iran War
The US has extended its military deployment in the Middle East until 2027, with 50,000 troops and 19 warships remaining in the region. President Donald Trump is privately discussing declaring an end to the war with Iran, despite the Pentagon preparing for prolonged conflict.
Middle East5 min readTrust 60 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
Business & Economy · Middle EastStrait of Hormuz oil transit hits wartime high of 17 million barrels in a day
More than 17 million barrels of oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz on 1 September 2026, the US Energy Secretary announced. The figure is the highest daily transit since the US and Israel attacked Iran in February, and close to pre-war levels of around 20 million barrels per day.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 25
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS strikes Iran after IRGC attacks on US bases in Gulf states
US Central Command announced strikes on Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps targets on 1 September 2026 after IRGC attacks on US military facilities in Kuwait, UAE, Jordan, Bahrain and Iraq. Trump said the campaign would not last long but warned Iran against rebuilding radar and missile systems.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Business & Economy · Asia-PacificChina dissents from G20 statement on 'cheap exports'
China was the sole dissenter from a G20 finance ministers' statement calling out 'non-market based economies pushing out a never-ending stream of cheap exports'. Nineteen members agreed to address global economic imbalances caused by such practices.
Asia-Pacific4 min readTrust 78 · Craft 75 · Hype 18
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump dismisses Iran deal value, claims Hormuz control
Donald Trump stated that any deal with Iran is 'not worth the paper it's written on' and that the US has 'almost complete control' of the Strait of Hormuz. He also warned of a significantly stronger military response if Iran retaliates.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 55 · Hype 55
Politics · Latin AmericaPeru breaks diplomatic ties with Iran over nuclear and shipping concerns
Peru announced on 1 September 2026 that it was severing diplomatic relations with Iran. The government cited Iran's obstruction of nuclear inspections and its restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as key reasons for the decision. Consular relations will continue.
Latin America3 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 25
Conflict & Security · Middle EastScott Bessent: Strait of Hormuz will be worthless in two years
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the Strait of Hormuz will become worthless to the oil industry within two years. He believes new oil pipelines will bypass the waterway, reducing reliance on it.
Middle East2 min readTrust 76 · Craft 52 · Hype 15
Business & Economy · Middle EastOil prices climb amid Middle East tensions and Shein stock drop
Oil prices and Asian shares fluctuated as renewed violence between Iran and the US heightened market uncertainty. Shein's stock fell sharply on its Hong Kong debut, while energy companies saw gains.
Middle East3 min readTrust 70 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUS considers limited strikes in Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump and senior officials are considering a plan for limited strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. Developed by US Central Command, the plan aims to stop Iran from rebuilding military capabilities to attack ships.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump vows US retaliation after Iran attacks bases
Donald Trump has stated the US will respond forcefully to Iranian attacks on American bases in Jordan and the UAE. The exchange of fire follows a US strike on Iran's Larak Island, with both sides issuing threats of further action.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastStrait of Hormuz Traffic Drops Amid Gulf Tensions
Visible commodity vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to five per day over the weekend, according to shipping data. This comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf after U.S. forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump Claims Kharg Island 'Blown to Smithereens' Amid US-Iran Exchange
US President Donald Trump posted on social media that Iran's Kharg Island was being 'blown to smithereens'. This followed a US strike on Iranian rocket launchers in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claimed to have launched ballistic missiles at US bases in Jordan, which Jordanian air defences intercepted.
Middle East2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 68
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran Fires Missiles Toward Regional Targets, US Strikes Launchers
Iran launched missiles from multiple locations toward regional targets, with state television reporting fire directed at US vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. US forces struck two Iranian launchers on Larak Island, according to a US official.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 41
Business & Economy · Middle EastOil Flows Through Strait of Hormuz Increase Amid New Shipping Methods
Oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz are increasing, with Kuwait and Qatar restoring 70% of pre-war levels. Traders have developed new methods, including ship-to-ship transfers, to mitigate risks in the vital waterway.
Middle East4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 61 · Hype 41- Conflict & Security · Middle East
US war aims shift six months into Iran conflict
Six months after launching a war with Iran, the United States has seen its objectives shift. Reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping lane, is now a key goal, while original aims like preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and destroying its missile capabilities remain unfulfilled.
Middle East4 min readTrust 70 · Craft 95 · Hype 15 - Politics · Middle East
Trump says Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but wounded
US President Donald Trump said he believes Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive but seriously wounded. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since taking over leadership following his father's assassination.
Middle East4 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41 
Conflict & Security · Middle EastRubio Tells Allies US Not Planning New Strikes on Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has informed allied foreign ministers that the United States does not currently intend to launch new strikes against Iran. The administration is shifting its focus to economic pressure, sanctions, and maritime security.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 50 · Hype 20
Business & Economy · Middle EastIMF Chief: Global Economy Weathering Energy Shock Better Than Feared
The global economy has withstood the energy shock from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz better than anticipated, according to IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva. She highlighted artificial intelligence investment as a positive force but cautioned about persistent inflation and rising debt.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump says Hormuz Strait cleared of mines, warns Iran
Donald Trump stated that all mines have been cleared from the Strait of Hormuz, with the US Navy confirming the waterway is demined. He issued a stern warning to Iran, threatening immediate destruction for any vessel attempting to lay new mines.
Middle East2 min readTrust 78 · Craft 87 · Hype 30
Business & Economy · Middle EastUN proposes mechanism to secure global trade routes
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has proposed a UN-led initiative to secure global maritime choke points, warning that regional conflicts are threatening global trade and food systems. The proposed mechanism aims to facilitate the registration and verification of vessels, initially focusing on ships carrying fertilizers.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 45 · Hype 40
Politics · Middle EastIran security chief threatens neighbours over US economic measures
Iran's security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, has threatened that any neighbouring country joining the US economic measures against Iran would be considered an enemy. He stated their interests would be targeted and accused the US of increasing global nuclear insecurity.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 61 · Hype 41
Business & Economy · Middle EastIran says Strait of Hormuz to remain closed until US changes stance
Iran's National Security Council secretary stated the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US changes its policy. This comes as approximately 40 oil tankers transited the strait, carrying 16 million barrels of oil, according to Axios.
Middle East3 min readTrust 45 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
Politics · Middle EastUS and Iran exchange defiant messages before new sanctions
The United States and Iran have exchanged defiant messages ahead of new U.S. economic sanctions scheduled for Monday, August 24, 2026. The measures could impact Iran and its major trading partners, particularly China, while oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have significantly decreased.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 59 · Hype 41
Conflict & Security · Middle EastNATO Commander Discusses Strait of Hormuz Navigation Options
NATO's top commander convened a meeting of allied defence chiefs to discuss ways to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. The discussions focused on potential contributions outside of a formal NATO mission, with France and Britain leading efforts to form a coalition.
Middle East3 min readTrust 50 · Craft 60 · Hype 20
Politics · Middle EastIran Grants Iraq Special Passage for Oil Tankers Through Hormuz
Iran has granted special permission for Iraqi oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz, following repeated requests from Baghdad. This comes as Iraq's crude oil exports have fallen sharply, and the country is exploring alternative, costly export routes.
Middle East3 min readTrust 86 · Craft 85 · Hype 15
Business & Economy · Middle EastIraq aims to boost oil output to 10 million barrels daily
Iraq plans to more than double its oil production to 8-10 million barrels per day within six years, aiming to diversify export routes beyond the Strait of Hormuz. The government has signed memorandums of understanding with Chevron for two oilfields.
Middle East3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Business & Economy · Middle EastUS military opens shipping corridor in Strait of Hormuz carrying 10 million barrels of oil daily
The US military has established a nightly shipping corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, allowing 15 to 20 tankers to transport about 10 million barrels of oil daily. The operation, running for several weeks, avoids Iranian-controlled areas and has guided over 1,000 vessels since May, according to US officials.
Middle East5 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 35
Business & Economy · Middle EastTrump announces new Iran sanctions plan as oil prices rise
US President Donald Trump announced plans for new Iran sanctions on 24 August 2026, describing them as the 'most powerful economic isolation' in history. Brent crude futures rose 2.36% to $93.78, while WTI futures climbed 2.33% to $87.83. Right-rated outlets led on the oil price surge and Trump’s warnings to third countries aiding Iran.
Middle East5 min readTrust 58 · Craft 55 · Hype 45
Conflict & Security · Middle EastTrump announces potential new Iran sanctions and declares Strait of Hormuz blockade effective
Donald Trump said the US could impose further sanctions on Iran, described a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as '100% successful', and argued that increased US oil production had reduced global reliance on the waterway. Oil prices, he said, had not spiked as feared and remained around $84 to $85 per barrel.
Middle East5 min readTrust 42 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran weighs strikes on US bases in Europe if US renews war
Iranian officials told the Financial Times they are assessing strikes on US military assets in southeastern Europe if the US escalates the conflict. Targets include bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus, and submarine fibre-optic cables in the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump said no negotiations are underway and the naval blockade remains in force.
Middle East4 min readTrust 58 · Craft 55 · Hype 35
Business & Economy · Middle EastOil prices rise as Iran and US clash over Strait of Hormuz status
Brent crude futures rose to $91.28 on 19 August as Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz shut to shipping, contradicting US claims it was open. Iraq approved alternative export routes, while Chinese shippers avoided the strait amid heightened tensions.
Middle East4 min readTrust 70 · Craft 65 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE severs trade and financial ties with Iran after missile threat in Strait of Hormuz
The United Arab Emirates announced a full suspension of trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran on 18 August 2026, citing regional escalation after Iranian ballistic missiles were detected targeting maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attacks on UAE state-owned ADNOC vessels.
Middle East5 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Conflict & Security · Middle EastUAE President and Trump discuss Iran tensions in 18 August call
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan and US President Donald Trump spoke by phone on 18 August 2026 about regional tensions, bilateral ties, and Iran’s position on the Strait of Hormuz. The call coincided with the expiry of a 60-day US-Iran agreement and a third attack on an ADNOC-operated tanker in a week.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 15
Business & Economy · Middle EastSaudi Aramco resumes oil loadings in Strait of Hormuz after pause
Saudi Aramco has resumed loading oil from terminals inside the Strait of Hormuz after a three-week pause, with three supertankers carrying 2 million barrels each. The company is offering heavy crude cargoes to Asian buyers via ship-to-ship transfers off Fujairah, while six more tankers await loading.
Middle East4 min readTrust 55 · Craft 55 · Hype 25
Conflict & Security · Middle EastIran vows to keep Strait of Hormuz shut until US lifts blockade and sanctions
Iran’s chief negotiator said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the US lifts its naval blockade, releases frozen assets and ends oil sanctions. A vessel was struck in the strait, injuring at least one crew member, as tensions escalate over a June memorandum of understanding.
Middle East4 min readTrust 78 · Craft 65 · Hype 15- Politics · Middle East
Trump demands Iran surrender as US-Iran deal expires without extension
The 60-day US-Iran memorandum of understanding expired on 17 August 2026 with no extension announced. Donald Trump called on Iran to "put up the white flag of surrender" and threatened to bomb Oman if it interfered with reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Iran denied a direct backchannel with the IRGC.
Middle East4 min readTrust 54 · Craft 95 · Hype 30
