India, Aug. 13 -- The Strait of Hormuz has become a major fault line in the escalating US-Iran confrontation, with competing claims over who controls the vital waterway now clashing with a dramatic fall in commercial shipping. Iran says vessels cannot safely cross without its approval, while Washington insists maritime traffic remains possible.

Shipping data, however, shows that activity remains far below normal levels, underscoring the growing pressure on global trade and energy supplies.

US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Iran Rejects US Claim That Hormuz Traffic Is Normal

Iran's Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters has rejected US claims that commercial shipping is moving normally through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a statement released Th...