India, April 20 -- Iran has, for decades, issued threats of closing the Strait of Hormuz over conflicts with countries in the Middle East and sanctions like those imposed by the US. The long history of tensions dates back to Iran's 1980-88 war with Iraq.

Iran's closure threats have never come to fruition until the February 28 joint US-Israeli strikes against the Islamic Republic prompted it to actually 'shut' the strategic waterway.

Today, a US naval blockade amid the already-imposed closure by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz raises global concerns. On one hand, the Trump administration claims its blockade is effective, while on the other, Iran says its control remains intact.

Yet, data from shipping analytics firm Kpler shows that 20 t...