Shipping Through Strait of Hormuz Halves After US-Iran Strikes

Commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has halved after Iran attacked three vessels in the Omani corridor on Monday and the US launched strikes on more than 80 Iranian military targets. The US also revoked sanctions relief on Iranian oil sales. Iran then struck military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.

Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf accused the US of violating the memorandum of understanding, writing on X that “the era of bullying and extortion is over.” The US maintains that attacks on commercial vessels violate Iran’s commitment to safe passage. Iran says the MOU allows it to retain control over the strait and requires coordination with Iranian authorities.

The strait contains two corridors: one along the Omani coast traditionally used for inbound traffic and one along the Iranian coast for outbound traffic. Iran had warned that vessels not using its approved route would face an immediate response. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps stated on Thursday that foreign powers have no claim to the strait.

Nato chief Mark Rutte said the US response was necessary after Iran violated the ceasefire. French president Emmanuel Macron also attributed the violation to Iran but indicated talks would continue. Kpler noted that both sides appear to have violated the agreement and that the situation is likely to continue.