US Blockade Halts Tanker Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing War

The US Navy blockade of Iranian ports has halted nearly all tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of the world's oil supplies. The blockade, which began on Monday, has forced 14 vessels linked to Iranian exports to turn back in the first 72 hours, according to US Central Command.

Traffic has dropped from over 130 ships per day before the war to just a few vessels, most tied to Iran, with exports now at zero.

Only four ships have successfully crossed into the Persian Gulf since the blockade started, based on maritime tracking data from sources including Kpler and LSEG. These include the Iranian-flagged Neshat cargo ship, which docked at Bandar Abbas on Thursday after coming from western Africa, and the Comoros-flagged Zaynar 2 container ship that arrived on Wednesday.

The RHN tanker under the Curacao flag and the US-sanctioned Alicia tanker, bound for Iraq, also entered earlier in the week.

Limited Exits and Ongoing Threats

One ship, the Comoros-flagged Race tanker, exited the strait on Thursday bound for India, according to LSEG data.

It remains unclear if it will reach its destination or face interception by US warships in the Gulf of Oman. No other exits have been recorded, leaving about 800 vessels, including over 300 oil and gas tankers, trapped in the Persian Gulf, according to Lloyd’s List and other trackers.

Iran has threatened to attack any ship crossing the strait without permission and has demanded tolls of up to $2 million per vessel.

The country operates fast attack warships in the area to enforce these warnings. Despite US efforts to clear mines placed by Iran along the strait, foreign ships show little willingness to attempt passage.