US-Iran talks on Strait of Hormuz hit impasse as ship traffic plunges

WASHINGTON, United States — Diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz are on the verge of collapse, according to sources close to the talks. The discussions reportedly reached a breaking point after US President Donald Trump declared that Washington had achieved "full control" of the waterway and issued tough warnings to Tehran. Commercial shipping data reflects the strain. Only six vessels passed through the strait on Monday, compared with a prewar daily average of 130 to 140 ships. Over the ten days since fighting began, the average has fallen to roughly 11 vessels per day. Analysts said the uncertainty in diplomatic channels poses additional risks for global energy supply and international maritime trade. It remained unclear whether contact between the two sides would continue.