Ship traffic through Strait of Hormuz drops sharply amid ongoing Iran-U.S. conflict
Vessel movements in the Strait of Hormuz are about 90% below pre-war levels, with operators favoring a northern route as security concerns persist.
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below pre-conflict volumes, according to Automatic Identification System data cited by the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The agency said transits are roughly 90% lower than baseline levels and have been declining since a brief peak in late June.
Trade-monitoring firm Kpler reported a modest rise on 13 August, with 13 confirmed crossings – a 44% day-on-day increase – but most vessels used Iran’s unilateral scheme and none were recorded on the Hormuz traffic separation scheme.
John Stawpert, marine director of the International Chamber of Shipping, noted that while traffic is “significantly lower” than before the war, it has not stopped entirely. He described a cyclical pattern in which cease-fire announcements trigger temporary upticks in vessel movements, followed by declines when hostilities resume. Stawpert also warned that the ongoing mine threat limits safe navigation.
U.S. officials maintain that the United States Navy controls the waterway. A White House spokesperson reiterated the president’s claim that the Strait is “completely controlled” by the U.S. Navy and that the blockade will remain until Iran agrees to a deal. U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said oil exports from the region are averaging about 15 million barrels per day, citing coordinated military and allied efforts.
Iranian authorities dispute the U.S. position. The Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated the Strait remains blocked pending acceptance of Iran’s conditions, and a newly appointed Basij leader said the northern route is under Iranian control while the southern route through Omani waters is overseen by the U.S. Navy.
Analysts highlighted the humanitarian risk to crews aboard vessels navigating the contested waters, describing the situation as “unacceptable” without a durable cease-fire and clear safety assurances.