Ship Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Remains Limited Following US-Iran Ceasefire

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments, has seen severely reduced traffic since the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire. No oil or gas tankers have passed through the strait following the truce, with only four vessels carrying dry cargo recorded. Shipowners remain wary of transiting near Iran's coast due to the agreement's fragility.

Attacks in the region, excluding Lebanon, have decreased markedly, contributing to the ceasefire's tentative hold. However, overall ship movement in and out of the strait remains almost nonexistent. Several Chinese oil tankers have positioned to cross but are awaiting clearance.

maintains de facto control over the strait despite the ceasefire.

A senior Iranian source told TASS that under the agreement, no more than 15 vessels per day will be allowed to pass, contingent on IRGC approval and a specific protocol. This framework has been communicated to regional parties, with no return to pre-war transit levels planned. > "Under the current ceasefire, fewer than 15 ships per day are permitted to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

“— Senior Iranian source to TASS, April 9, 2026 (ZeroHedge)”

Vessels must coordinate with the IRGC Navy for passage. Iran's guidance warns of anti-ship mines in the main traffic zone, and all traffic is vetted based on geopolitical affiliation. Last week recorded 72 passages, 90% below normal volumes, with most vessels connected to Iran and some Indian ships approved via diplomatic intervention.

A handful of vessels crossed the strait on Wednesday without incident before Iran closed it again, citing Israel's attacks on Lebanon. The Associated Press noted that Iran's approval system for safe passage, managed by the IRGC, remains unchanged despite US President Donald Trump's demand to reopen the strait.