The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has caused significant disruption to global energy transport through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Shipping data reveals that only 77 vessels have passed through the strait since March 1. In contrast, during the same period last year, 1,229 ships transited the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz has seen attacks and fires in recent weeks.
According to a report by Agence France-Presse on the 13th, citing information from British maritime intelligence provider Lloyd's List Intelligence, the majority of the 77 vessels that passed through were older ships in poor condition, lacking adequate insurance and with unclear ownership. The data and analytics service stated that most of these ships belong to the so-called "shadow fleet," which includes tankers and liquefied natural gas carriers that evade Western sanctions.
Since the large-scale military actions launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran on February 28, shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have surged dramatically, leading many vessels to suspend voyages or take alternative routes to avoid danger. Data from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations shows that since early March, 20 commercial ships, including nine tankers, have been attacked or reported incidents in and around the strait.
Separately, according to AFP's own tally, approximately 40 vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of hostilities between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. This figure does not include ships that have turned off their Automatic Identification System transponders.
Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, stated on the 12th that Iran will not abandon its pursuit of retaliation and will continue to block the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media reported that on the same day, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi said Iran would permit vessels from certain countries to pass through the strait.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to media questions on the 13th, stating that the U.S. Navy would soon begin escorting tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that it would happen "very soon," though he did not provide a specific timeline.
Several shipping industry sources told Reuters on the 10th that since the conflict began, commercial ships near the Strait of Hormuz have requested U.S. military escorts almost daily, but these requests have been denied due to the high risks involved.
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