Iran Exerts Near-Total Control Over Strait of Hormuz Shipping Routes, Reports Reveal

Recent data from maritime security and risk research firm Marisks reveals that nearly all vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz in the past 72 hours have followed routes approved by the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. This indicates Iran's growing, near-absolute control over the Persian Gulf shipping lanes, coinciding with a reduced U.S. naval presence in the area.

Marisks analyzed movements of approximately 78 ships during this period, including 20 flying Iranian flags and 58 under international flags. All 58 non-Iranian flagged vessels reportedly used the northern route sanctioned by Iran and the Revolutionary Guards, with some possibly paying fees to the Iranian authorities. Notably, no commercial ships sailed the southern route near Oman's coast, which is backed by the United States.

Marisks researchers noted that only local vessels from the United Arab Emirates and maritime support ships operated near the southern side of the strait, with no commercial traffic present. Additionally, the maritime intelligence group Windward confirmed these findings, reporting seven more vessels currently transiting the strait via the Iranian-controlled northern route. These developments underscore Iran's dominant influence over one of the world's most strategic maritime chokepoints amid shifting U.S. engagement in the region.