Uncertainty reigned over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iranian military forces issued conflicting statements about the waterway’s accessibility
Data showed that fewer vessels navigated the strait on Sunday, though the cause remained unclear. The strait, vital for oil and gas shipments, has become a key issue in U.S.-Iran negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
President Trump declared on Fox News that he had conversed with Iranian officials, cautioning them against shutting down the strait. He reportedly warned that Iran could face severe consequences if they closed the waterway.
Simultaneously, Iran announced it was closing the strait, accusing the U.S. of breaking a cease-fire agreement by failing to curb Israel’s military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The naval wing of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards cautioned ships about approaching the strait, suggesting risks to their security. Conversely, U.S. Central Command asserted that the strait remained open, emphasizing ongoing traffic flow and the monitoring efforts of U.S. forces.
Ship tracking data showed decreased vessel movement through the strait’s northern route since Iran’s latest threat. Maritime analyst Daniel Mueller noted no attacks but highlighted the fraught situation.
Updates from maritime intelligence firm Windward indicated only 12 transits on Sunday, following a decline from previous counts.
U.S. Central Command reported that 55 commercial ships navigated the strait on Saturday, the highest since early war days though lower than pre-war averages of 130 daily.
On Sunday, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated that 67 ships traversed the strait, aided by U.S. military guidance through a southern shipping lane, heavily mined by Iran.
Windward noted that many vessels crossing on Sunday had deactivated their transponders to evade detection, marking renewed hesitation amid the unpredictable passage.
Leo Sands is a correspondent at The New York Times Breaking News Hub based in London.
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