Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sharply decreased following a series of strikes by the US and Iran on July 9, 2026. According to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, only 23 tankers and cargo ships transited the vital waterway, a significant drop from 47 a week prior.
Impact of Recent Attacks on Shipping Traffic
The three vessels targeted were navigating a US-recommended route through Omani waters. In contrast, Iran has maintained that the only secure passage is through its territorial waters. Historically, the strait has allowed free movement for more than 20% of the world's oil and gas supplies, along with essential goods.
Before escalating tensions, an average of 138 ships crossed the strait daily, as reported by the Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC). However, after the first US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, traffic dwindled to just a handful of ships per day. Iran retaliated by attacking vessels and laying mines, prompting the US to enforce a blockade on Iranian shipping.
Negotiations and Tensions Surrounding the Strait
A ceasefire agreement signed on June 17 aimed to restore traffic through the strait, with the US lifting its naval blockade and easing sanctions on Iranian oil exports. Initially, traffic rose to a peak of 72 ships on June 24. However, ongoing tensions have complicated the situation.
Iran insisted on controlling movement through the strait and proposed a new system of lanes close to its coast, while the US and its allies called for a return to free passage. Following the attacks on the three vessels, no ships utilized the Omani route on July 9, a stark contrast to the average of 10 vessels per day reported the week before.
Future Prospects for Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz
Martin Kelly, a senior intelligence analyst at EOS Risk Group, predicts a cycle of conflict and temporary peace may continue. He stated, "There will now be a bit of back and forth between the US and Iran before they make friends again, shipping will peak and trough cautiously until Iran attacks another ship and the cycle starts again."
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed on June 17 committed Iran to ensure safe passage for commercial vessels without charges for 60 days. However, critics argue that the agreement lacks clarity regarding long-term free passage.
- 23 tankers and cargo ships crossed the strait on July 9
- Traffic averaged 138 ships daily before February 28
- Peak traffic post-agreement reached 72 ships on June 24
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned against foreign interference
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
