Reduction of Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, Vessels Passing Secretly

In the Strait of Hormuz, there has been a sharp decline in official shipping following the resumption of hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. Commercial vessels have begun to pass through this strategically important route en masse, completely turning off their radars. All six crude oil tankers that crossed the strait on Sunday followed a "dark" course with their transponders turned off. The number of secret crossings has exceeded the official count for the third consecutive day. Ships are disappearing from radar in the Gulf of Oman and reappearing in the Persian Gulf without broadcasting their location. Ship owners are taking risks due to the exchange of strikes between Washington and Tehran. Iran has declared that transit through the strait is only possible with the permission of Iranian authorities. Over the past week, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has attacked four vessels and intercepted two, accusing them of moving "illegally." The U.S. assures that safe routes for free shipping remain open. However, traffic along the southern corridor along the coast of Oman has halted due to Iranian attacks on tankers. The alternative northern route, controlled by Iran, remains relatively safe but requires payment of fees to Tehran and carries the risk of U.S. sanctions. The practice of "dark" crossings became widespread in April 2026 when the UAE began secretly exporting oil from the Persian Gulf.

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