Shipping traffic through Strait of Hormuz drops after Iran announces closure
Maritime data shows a sharp decline in vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's claim that it had closed the waterway, despite continued movement of some tankers.
Maritime intelligence firm Windward reported that only 12 ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, down from more than 21 the day before, after Iran announced the waterway was closed. Five of the eight inbound vessels were operating without AIS transponders, a practice known as "going dark" that obscures a ship's location and identity.
Windward described the traffic pattern as "dark, sanctioned, Iranian-linked, resembling the late-blockade baseline more than a functioning open strait."
Trade tracker Kpler had earlier noted that at least 20 tankers crossed the strait on Thursday, the highest level since early June but still far below pre-war volumes of over 100 daily transits. Lloyd's List also confirmed that commercial traffic continued over the weekend, contradicting Iran's claim of a closure.
Iran said it shut the strait citing cease-fire violations linked to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. The U.S. military rejected the assertion, stating the waterway remained open and that Iran does not control it.
Meanwhile, U.S. and Iranian delegations met in a Swiss resort to build on a recent 14-point memorandum of understanding that includes reopening the strait toll-free for 60 days and establishing mechanisms to end hostilities in Lebanon. A senior Pakistani official and an Iranian participant described the talks as "constructive but tense."
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed optimism about the negotiations, acknowledging the complexity of the situation but noting progress toward ending violence in Lebanon.