Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted by over half following two recent cargo vessel attacks, escalating US-Iran tensions. The sharp decline began on 27/6 after the Singapore-flagged cargo ship Ever Lovely was attacked by a drone while navigating off the Omani coast, attempting to exit Hormuz. Maritime tracking firm Kpler reported that the total number of cargo ships transiting the strait on 27/6 and 28/6 was 29 and 12 respectively, a significant reduction from the previous week. The movement trend also reversed, with more vessels entering the Persian Gulf than leaving.

Commercial ship in the Gulf of Oman on 16/6. Photo: AP

The attack on the Ever Lovely reignited tensions in Hormuz. The US military retaliated with airstrikes against several targets in southern Iran, to which Tehran responded by attacking Washington's targets in the region.

Earlier, following the 15/6 agreement between Tehran and Washington to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, traffic had gradually recovered, reaching its highest point since the conflict began, with 70 vessels transiting on 24/6. These ships navigated through the strait using various routes, despite Iran's warnings that it would not guarantee safety for unapproved itineraries, including a southern route through Omani territorial waters.

Movement through the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

On 28/6, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that Iran would assume full control of the Strait of Hormuz for the next 30 days, without requiring the involvement of any other parties. He cautioned that any unilateral actions contradicting the current agreement would only complicate the situation and impede the strait's reopening process.

Iran stated on 29/6 that it held its initial meeting with Oman to discuss the management of the Strait of Hormuz. This comes as Washington has warned it will not accept paying transit fees to use the waterway, which the US considers international waters.

Nhu Tam (According to AFP, Reuters)