Reuters: Just five vessels transited Strait of Hormuz on August 25

Only five cargo vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the same number recorded the previous day, Reuters reported, citing data from analytics firm Kpler.

Preliminary data showed that five tankers transited the strait on August 25: two carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), one carrying bitumen and two sailing empty. The figures could change because some vessels were travelling with their transponders switched off, according to the report.

The sharp decline in shipping traffic comes amid the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.

The United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon.

However, the United States resumed large-scale strikes on Iran overnight on July 8, accusing Tehran of violating the terms of the agreement relating to the Strait of Hormuz.

The strait is a critical global energy chokepoint through which a significant share of the world's oil and gas supplies normally passes.

By Tamilla Hasanova