Naval transit through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely depressed compared to pre-war levels, despite the cessation of reciprocal military strikes between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.
According to data provided by maritime intelligence firm Kpler, only 33 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz between Monday and Thursday of this week, down from 50 vessels during the same period last week. On Thursday alone, just four ships navigated the waterway.
Reuters reported that, before the outbreak of the war involving the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28, 2026, daily traffic averaged between 130 and 140 vessels. The sharp decline reflects ongoing security concerns among commercial shipping operators regarding the safety of navigating this critical strategic bottleneck.
Kpler data further indicates that only six crude oil tankers exited the strait this week, while 21 ships entered. The vast majority of these vessel movements were routed through maritime corridors under Iranian operational control.
Meanwhile, negotiations surrounding a framework for fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz remain ongoing. Suppressed vessel traffic persists even as Tehran and Muscat reach a preliminary understanding regarding designated transit routes; however, unresolved disputes over traffic management, U.S. sanctions, and maritime insurance coverage continue to impede a full restoration of commercial shipping through the waterway.
