Governor Gavin Newsom rejected President Trump’s claims that the Strait of Hormuz is about to be reopened, saying mariners report the waterway remains closed. UKMTO reported two explosions heard near a tanker about 10 miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman, but confirmed the crew and vessel were safe and that no environmental damage was found. Regional proposals for transit tolls—5%–7% from Iran and 3% from Oman—have complicated negotiations, and Iran cautioned that any Oman route does not equal the strait reopening.
Newsom: Strait Of Hormuz ‘Closed’ Despite Trump’s Reopening Claims; UKMTO Reports Explosions Near Tanker
Gavin Newsom Says Strait of Hormuz Is Closed Despite Trump's Claims—UKMTO Reports Explosion Near Vessel
California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply disputed President Donald Trump's repeated claims that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is imminent, saying the strategic waterway remains closed to commercial traffic.
Newsom’s official press account on X reposted an unverified TikTok clip showing an influencer in a small boat alongside a container ship asking whether the strait was open or closed. The Governor’s office added: “Take it from shipping container captains … the strait is closed — despite what Trump claims every other day.” That post was published on August 5, 2026.
Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre (UKMTO) issued an alert on August 6, 2026, after receiving a late report that the master of a tanker heard two explosions about 10 miles southeast of Kumzar, Oman, while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The UKMTO said the crew and vessel were safe and accounted for, and that no environmental damage was reported. The agency advised mariners to exercise caution in the area.
Regional Tensions and Proposals
The comments come amid competing proposals in the region to levy transit fees: Iranian officials reportedly discussed a 5%–7% toll on ships passing through the waterway, while Omani authorities have signaled support for a lower 3% levy. These proposals, and disputes over control and security of shipping lanes, have added friction to talks about restoring commercial traffic.
The renewed talk of a possible agreement followed President Trump’s decision to call off planned strikes on Iran—an action praised by his former counterterrorism chief, Joe Kent, as a potential step toward reopening traffic. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, however, warned that any arrangement with Oman to create an alternative shipping route should not be read as the Strait itself being reopened.
Why This Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global energy and commodity shipments. Even limited incidents or political moves that affect transit can have outsized effects on shipping costs, insurance premiums and global energy markets. Maritime-security observers and shipping operators continue to monitor the situation closely as diplomatic talks and regional proposals evolve.
Note: Some social media posts referenced in official reposts are unverified. UKMTO’s operational warning remains the most authoritative public notice about the reported explosions.
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