Key facts
- Tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to a two-month low, the lowest level since May 25.
- Vessels are increasingly switching off their public AIS tracking transponders.
- Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continued at reduced levels.
- At least three pairs of tankers were involved in ship-to-ship transfers off Oman's coast.
- U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iran on Sunday.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed their navy stopped two ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to a two-month low, the lowest level since May 25, amid heightened safety concerns due to renewed strikes between the U.S. and Iran and attacks on vessels. Shipping industry sources indicated that vessels are increasingly switching off their public AIS tracking transponders, making it difficult to determine the full number of ships crossing the waterway. Based on available data, oil and gas tanker traffic saw a significant decrease. Ship broker Gibson warned that a prolonged closure of Hormuz could lead to much tighter supply and higher prices. Commercial traffic through the Strait continued at reduced levels, reflecting operator caution following recent attacks. At least three pairs of tankers were observed engaged in ship-to-ship transfers outside of Hormuz off Oman's coast, a practice that has enabled faster deliveries of oil onto waiting ships that do not need to sail through the strait. U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iran on Sunday, hitting dozens of targets. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial traffic, while Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed their navy stopped two ships in the Strait of Hormuz overnight by shutting down their systems. A container ship sustained damage from an unknown projectile, causing a fire in the engine room.