Strait of Hormuz Traffic Plunges as Only Six Vessels Cross Amid US-Iran Deadlock

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen dramatically amid continuing US-Iran military tensions, with only six vessels crossing the strategic waterway on Monday, according to shipping data from Kpler.

The figure represents a sharp decline from the recent 10-day average of around 11 vessels per day and an even more dramatic drop from the 130–140 vessels that typically passed through the Strait each day before the war.

The sharp reduction highlights the growing reluctance of shipping companies to operate through one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints as uncertainty over the conflict and the future of commercial navigation continues.

On Tuesday, only four commodity vessels entered the Strait, including two empty oil-product tankers. Two vessels were recorded leaving the waterway—one carrying liquefied petroleum gas and another transporting residual fuel.

The limited traffic reflects concerns over the security of vessels operating in the region. Shipping companies are facing the combined risks of US-Iran military confrontation, the US blockade of Iranian ports and uncertainty over diplomatic negotiations.

The disruption is particularly significant because the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial route for global energy shipments. A sustained reduction in shipping activity could affect oil and gas supplies, freight costs and international energy markets.

Disruption Concentrated Around Hormuz

The decline in Hormuz traffic does not appear to be affecting every major maritime route in the region to the same extent.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical shipping corridor, recorded 25 vessel crossings on Monday. That was close to its recent 10-day average of approximately 24 vessels.

The contrast suggests that the immediate impact of the US-Iran confrontation is particularly concentrated around the Strait of Hormuz, where military activity, the blockade of Iranian ports and uncertainty over a potential peace agreement are creating additional risks for commercial operators.

Peace Talks Remain Deadlocked

The decline in shipping comes as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran remain stalled.

Iran has demanded compensation and an end to US sanctions, among other conditions, while President Donald Trump has put forward his own compensation demands relating to deaths associated with wars, attacks and protests.

A preliminary peace agreement reportedly reached in June subsequently broke down, leaving the two sides without a comprehensive settlement.

Trump has continued to send mixed signals about the future of the conflict. At various points, he has threatened further escalation while also suggesting that a deal could be reached soon.

The uncertainty has made it difficult for shipping companies to determine when it will be safe to resume normal operations through Hormuz.

Global Energy Risks

The Strait of Hormuz is particularly important to the global economy because it connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. Large quantities of oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas normally pass through the waterway.

A prolonged reduction in vessel traffic could therefore have consequences far beyond the immediate US-Iran conflict. Higher shipping risks can increase insurance premiums and transportation costs, while disruptions to energy shipments can put upward pressure on global fuel prices.

For now, the extremely low number of crossings indicates that commercial shipping companies remain highly cautious.

Unless Washington and Tehran make progress toward a broader agreement that restores confidence in maritime security, the Strait of Hormuz could remain severely disrupted, leaving global energy markets exposed to another major supply shock.