Some Ships Reverse Near Oman While Dozens Complete Strait of Hormuz Transit

At least eight ships, including oil tankers, bulk carriers and vehicle carriers, reversed course near the Omani coast between Friday and Saturday while attempting to leave the Persian Gulf. Ship-tracking data showed some vessels had reached the tip of the Musandam Peninsula before turning sharply.

One crude tanker, two products tankers and one bulk carrier then sailed northward to follow an outbound route dictated by Iran.

Some vessels continued their transits by switching to a route closer to Iran. Over the past few months vessels attempting to leave the Persian Gulf have reported hearing Iranian forces warn over radio that they needed permission from Tehran for their crossings. Some have been attacked for proceeding without that permission.

An average of 34 commodity vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz daily since Monday. Between June 30 and July 1, 65 ships crossed along the Omani side, with 59 supported by the US, according to data from the Joint Maritime Information Center. A mid-June deal between the US and Iran aimed to reopen the strait.

Tehran has continued to claim control over the waterway despite the agreement, while the US has continued to support vessel transits along the Omani coast.