Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen further as renewed U.S.–Iran attacks increase the danger facing crews and vessels using one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Shipping intelligence company Kpler recorded only four commodity vessels crossing the strait on Monday, down from seven on Sunday, according to data cited by Reuters. Two tankers were travelling out of the Gulf while two entered. No very large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers were recorded making the journey.
The decline came as the United States completed a tenth consecutive night of strikes against targets in Iran. Tehran has continued retaliating across the region and claimed responsibility for an attack on a tanker that reportedly forced its crew to abandon the vessel. The Associated Press reported that U.S. strikes have targeted Iranian military infrastructure but have not removed Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping through the waterway.
The consequences extend beyond the immediate military confrontation. The Strait of Hormuz normally carries a significant share of globally traded oil and gas. Continued disruption could increase shipping insurance costs, delay energy deliveries and place renewed pressure on fuel prices.
The danger may also be spreading into neighbouring waterways. Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement has announced an attempted blockade against Saudi shipping near the Bab al-Mandeb strait, another crucial route connecting the Red Sea to international markets. Whether the group possesses the capacity to enforce that threat remains uncertain.
Diplomatic activity is continuing, including mediation efforts involving Pakistan, but neither Washington nor Tehran has announced a confirmed ceasefire process.
This remains a developing story. Vessel-tracking data can change as ships alter routes, delay departures or switch off tracking equipment for security reasons. Claims about individual attacks and casualties should also be treated cautiously until independently confirmed.
Scandle Wire independently summarised shipping data and developments reported by Reuters and the Associated Press.