Hormuz Traffic Slows Sharply After Iran-US Strikes, Raising Shipping Concerns
Hormuz disruption threatens energy supplies and global trade routes.
Commercial shipping movement through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply following renewed military strikes between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over global energy supplies and international trade routes. The strategic waterway, one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, has seen vessel movement slow to near standstill as tensions continue to escalate.
According to reports, commercial traffic is now mostly limited to a northern route permitted by Iran, while the southern navigation corridor supported by Oman and the United States has recorded very limited activity. Only a small number of vessels, including a US-sanctioned supertanker leaving the Gulf and an Iranian-flagged container ship, were reported to have crossed the strait, highlighting the scale of the disruption.
The slowdown represents a significant change from recent shipping activity. Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, cited by Bloomberg, showed that commodity vessel crossings had averaged 34 per day in the weeks following an interim agreement between the US and Iran to reopen the waterway. During that period, traffic reached a peak of 59 vessels on June 24, while conflict periods saw daily crossings fall below 20.
Also Read: Shipping Continues Through Strait Of Hormuz Amid Regional Security Concerns
The disruption has also raised concerns about the safety of thousands of seafarers operating in the region. International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez warned that escalating military actions were putting civilian sailors at risk. Reports indicated that around 6,000 crew members remain stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz as the conflict continues, adding a humanitarian dimension to the shipping crisis.
The latest escalation followed new US strikes targeting around 90 locations inside Iran, with Washington stating that the operations were aimed at reducing Tehran’s ability to threaten shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Reports said the attacks damaged infrastructure, including bridges, docks, and airports, while casualties were reported in parts of Iran, including Iranshahr and Ahvaz. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps later announced retaliatory strikes against US military facilities in Kuwait and Bahrain.
US President Donald Trump said Washington would respond strongly to any Iranian attacks, while Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran would retaliate against what he described as hostile actions. With both sides issuing warnings and maritime traffic heavily affected, uncertainty remains over the future stability of one of the world’s busiest energy transit routes.
Also Read: Shipping Normalcy In Hormuz Strait May Take 40–50 Days After Deal
