Nearly Complete Shutdown Hits Strait of Hormuz Amid Tanker Attacks and US-Iran Deadlock

The strategic Strait of Hormuz experienced a sharp decline in maritime traffic over the past weekend, nearing a complete halt, according to ship tracking data from Kpler reported by Reuters. On Saturday, only five cargo vessels passed through the strait, and on Sunday, no ships were recorded, a drastic drop from 31 ships the previous weekend. This disruption follows recent attacks on oil tankers in the area and ongoing stalled negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at resolving Middle East tensions.

Among the vessels passing on Saturday was a very large crude carrier (VLCC) with its automatic identification system (AIS) turned off, and a large Indian-flagged gas tanker navigating the Iranian route. Additionally, a small tanker carrying Iranian fuel exited the strait. The sharp slowdown began after the United Arab Emirates reported attacks on three ships operated by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) during transit last week. In response, the US declared its capability to maintain an indefinite maritime blockade against Iran.

Despite some ships potentially avoiding detection by disabling transponders, current traffic levels are far below normal. Before the US and Israel launched their conflict against Iran in February, over 130 ships crossed the strait daily, carrying about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supplies. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in a local media interview that Washington must meet Tehran's conditions regarding the strait to resume regular shipping.

The maritime escalation is not limited to the Strait of Hormuz. At the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, where Yemen's Houthi forces declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia on July 20, cargo ship passages dropped from 55 to 49 over the weekend, with no Saudi oil shipments recorded during this period.