Energy Shipping Near Strait of Hormuz Nearly Halts After US Strikes in Iran

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has come to an almost complete standstill following a second consecutive US military strike inside Iran within two days. This escalation has destabilized the fragile ceasefire between the two countries, heightening tensions in the region. Tracking data reveals that the few vessels still moving are primarily near the northern part of the strait, an area under Iranian approval, while the southern Omani corridor, supported by the US, remains completely quiet.

Large ships have nearly vanished from the strait, with only a US-sanctioned supertanker leaving the Persian Gulf alongside an Iranian-flagged container ship observed. Experts suggest some vessels may be crossing undetected with their tracking systems turned off. The sharp decline in activity follows a series of Iranian attacks on ships in the area, which triggered the US retaliatory strikes and President Donald Trump’s official declaration that the ceasefire with Iran has ended.

On Wednesday, only 14 cargo carriers passed through the strait in both directions, marking the lowest traffic since the temporary agreement was signed in mid-June. This contrasts sharply with recent weeks when daily crossings averaged 34, peaking at 59 on June 24. During active conflict periods, daily crossings often fell below 20.

Meanwhile, liquefied natural gas tanker traffic remains fully halted, though two empty tankers recently entered the Gulf of Oman, heading toward the eastern entrance of Hormuz. Signs of renewed electronic disruptions have also emerged, with vessels near southeastern Oman moving at unusually high speeds of at least 30 knots. This behavior may indicate regional states are deploying defense systems to counter hostile drone attacks on critical infrastructure, which can interfere with maritime tracking data and navigation.

The situation underscores the fragile security environment around the world’s most vital energy shipping route and the potential for further disruptions amid escalating US-Iran hostilities.