finance
Strait of Hormuz Remains Largely Blocked Under US-Iran Ceasefire with Iran Imposing Vessel Limits and Tolls
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted despite a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran. Iran has limited passages to no more than 15 vessels per day and is requiring toll payments in cryptocurrency from oil tankers. Only a few vessels, mostly linked to Iran or China, have been permitted to move amid ongoing controls.
Apr 9, 8:57 AM·2m read4 sources
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traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked as of Thursday.
A fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran has not restored normal flows, with only a handful of vessels permitted to pass. Typically, the strait sees about 135 transits per day, but current activity is far below that level. Iran has asserted control over the strait by limiting passages to no more than 15 vessels per day under the ceasefire agreement.
This restriction was cited by a senior Iranian source. Only Iran-linked vessels and a small number of Chinese ships have been observed moving. Oil tankers are required to make toll payments in cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin and stablecoins such as Tether's USDT or USD1, before passing through the strait.
Vessels must email Iranian authorities in advance to arrange passage. These measures indicate Iran's tightening grip on the key waterway.
The ceasefire between the US and Iran remains precarious, with no significant improvement in traffic flows reported.
Iran's actions follow assertions of control, including the blockade that has frozen most commercial shipping. The strait, a vital chokepoint for global oil transport, connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Chinese vessels have lined up in an attempt to escape the blockade, but overall transit remains minimal.
No sources report a full resumption of operations. The situation persists despite the ceasefire, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
handles approximately 20% of the world's oil supply under normal conditions.
The current restrictions could affect global energy markets, though specific impacts on prices or supplies are not detailed in available reports. Iran's demands for tolls in cryptocurrency represent a novel enforcement mechanism in the waterway. International responses to the blockade and ceasefire terms have not been outlined in the sources.
