US President Donald Trump has asserted that "greater alternatives" exist for delivering oil to global markets, downplaying the critical dependency on the Strait of Hormuz.
In an interview with Fox News, the president also claimed the strait is effectively closed only to Iran, attempting to reassure international markets that commercial shipping remains viable despite ongoing military strikes in the region.
The comments come as shipping risk continues to weigh heavily on energy markets.
Brent crude remains elevated, reflecting persistent concerns over route exposure and the potential for further disruption in the Persian Gulf.
While the administration seeks to normalize trade flows, the reality on the water tells a different story: tanker operators face heightened insurance premiums and routing complexities as US-Iran tensions flare.
This diplomatic framing contrasts sharply with recent escalations.
Just days ago, the Strait of Hormuz saw renewed closures following missile exchanges between the US and Iran, shattering earlier ceasefire hopes.
The UN had previously warned that even a reopening of the strait would not immediately end the global trade shock, highlighting the deep structural damage to supply chain confidence.
Traders are likely to view the president’s remarks with skepticism until concrete evidence of safe passage emerges.