Media: Traffic through Strait of Hormuz reaches highest levels in weeks

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has surged to its highest levels in weeks, marking a significant rise since the early days of the ongoing conflict.

The increase comes as more nations secure safe-passage agreements with Iran, enabling them to navigate the vital waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international waters, Caliber.Az reports via Bloomberg.

Iranian vessels continue to dominate the passage, but several other countries, including Iraq and India, have also managed to send ships through the strait after securing exemptions from Tehran.

Despite these developments, the precise details of these agreements remain shrouded in secrecy, and the situation remains fluid. Any escalation in the conflict could potentially disrupt these arrangements, leaving passage at Iran’s discretion.

Over the weekend, 21 vessels transited the strait — the highest two-day total since early March, when traffic was beginning to decline. Of those vessels, 13 sailed into the Arabian Sea. Iranian ships continue to be the dominant presence, though noteworthy transits include a tanker carrying Iraqi crude, which was granted an exemption by Iran, as well as eight LPG tankers from India.

Though the number of vessels passing through the strait remains a fraction of pre-war levels (approximately 135 ships per day), the uptick in traffic signals a shift in the region. Two container ships linked to China successfully made the crossing last week, following an earlier failed attempt. Additionally, vessels from Japan have also managed to transit, suggesting that more countries are gaining access.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow yet critical passage for global oil and gas shipments, has become a key point of contention as the war enters its sixth week. US President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran does not reopen the passage to free commercial traffic, threatening to target Iranian infrastructure with devastating force. Iran, however, has stated that it will only allow vessels to pass after the tolls it charges for safe passage cover the costs of the war damage it has incurred.

"Iran is responding to requests from its partners while tightening its hold on Hormuz," commented Muyu Xu, a senior crude oil analyst at Kpler Ltd. in Singapore. "However, passage is still subject to Iran's control, and the situation could change at any time if the conflict intensifies."

To further solidify its grip on the strait, Iran is advancing a law that formalises its control and establishes fees for passage — a move that aims to streamline the payments system that has been in place for weeks.

While Iran has been negotiating with friendly nations, the terms of these agreements remain unclear. Even when these deals are publicly acknowledged, such as the recent arrangement with Iraq, specifics often remain hidden. The same uncertainty surrounds the deals made for vessels linked to France and Japan.

Pakistan, for instance, has been offered 20 slots to retrieve ships currently stranded in the Gulf, more than the country has vessels stuck behind the Strait of Hormuz. The nation is considering options, including taking on additional tankers or possibly re-flagging them to secure vital supplies such as oil and fertiliser.

Other countries, including China, Türkiye, Greece, and Thailand, have also managed to successfully transit the strait, though the majority of vessels have adhered to a route that hugs the Iranian coastline. Recently, more ships have been opting for a route along the opposite shore, with Oman — which shares maritime borders with Iran — confirming that it has held talks to facilitate smoother passage through the strait.

As the situation continues to evolve, the Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of international tensions, with both global energy markets and geopolitical interests hanging in the balance.

By Aghakazim Guliyev