In December 2025, the U.S. seized a sanctioned tanker flying the flag of Guyana, where it wasn't registered. The vessel was, in legal terms, stateless.

A Strait of Hormuz closure due to U.S.-Iran war hit the oil market hard, but sectors reliant on shipping across economy from metals to farming are vulnerable.

In December 2025, the U.S. seized a sanctioned tanker flying the flag of Guyana, where it wasn't registered. The vessel was, in legal terms, stateless.

But some vessels are still transiting the strait. Most of the ships still moving are those that operate outside the rules.

Explore the timeline of recent ship attacks in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating U.S.-Israeli tensions with Iran.

"Iran has extensive tunnel networks to protect and launch such vessels surreptitiously, including midget submarines and other submersibles useful for mine laying."