Iran is tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz by asserting unprecedented control over one of the world's most strategically important shipping lanes through a new transit regime.

The White House press briefing room has emerged as an informal audition stage ​this month in the intensifying race of who will succeed President Donald Trump in 2028.

Several hours later, the vessel received Iranian authorisation to continue, turning what is typically a five-hour transit through the strait into a two-day ordeal.