Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is showing signs of recovery after months of disruptions linked to the war in Iran and rising regional tensions. According to maritime intelligence firm Kpler, ship crossings through the key waterway surged by 105 percent on June 24, 2026, reaching 70 crossings. Of these, 53 were commercial vessels, most of which were classified as low-risk ships.
The increase occurred as more vessels began using routes cleared by ongoing demining efforts and passages supported by Oman. This uptick suggests a potential easing of tensions and growing confidence among shipping operators. The recovery followed a memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran and the apparent end of a U.S. naval blockade that had restricted movement in the region. However, experts caution that normal traffic has not yet fully resumed.
Iran’s objection and Oman’s new route
Concerns persist regarding warnings from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the use of less visible tracking methods by ships, incomplete demining work, and unresolved issues related to sanctions and future control of the waterway. The IRGC has warned commercial vessels against using any route through the Strait of Hormuz unless approved by Tehran, escalating tensions as the United States and Iran continue fragile negotiations over the strategic waterway.
This warning came after Oman announced a new shipping corridor through the strait on Wednesday. Oman stated that the route was developed in coordination with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to help restore safer ship movement following weeks of disruptions. However, the IRGC objected to this initiative, claiming that Iran was not consulted before the route was announced. “Certain bodies have announced a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz without prior notice or coordination with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The proposed route is unacceptable and poses serious risks to security,” the IRGC stated. The IRGC also emphasized: “The only permitted transit routes through the Strait of Hormuz are those designated by the Islamic Republic of Iran,” adding that vessels passing through the waterway must maintain contact with the IRGC Navy.
Oman defended the newly announced route, asserting that it was created to support safe navigation and compliance with international regulations. Foreign Minister Badr Albusaid stated that Oman will continue to work to ensure freedom of movement through the strait. He also clarified that “future arrangements related to the strait do not involve the collection of any transit fees.”
Attack on cargo ship and U.S.-Iran negotiations
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, through which a significant portion of global energy supplies passes. Disagreements arise amid the slow recovery of commercial traffic following recent tensions in the region. These developments occur as Washington and Tehran continue negotiations on their interim agreement aimed at a final resolution to the war in Iran. According to the agreement, both sides have a 60-day period to finalize the details, but public statements from leaders on both sides have added uncertainty to this fragile arrangement.
Meanwhile, a cargo ship traveling a route supported by the United Nations in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by a projectile on Thursday, according to British military reports. The identity of the attacker and the type of vessel involved remain unclear. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Center (UKMTO) reported that the ship sustained damage, but there were no reports of casualties or environmental impact. The incident occurred just hours after Iran warned ships not to use the strait without Tehran’s approval.
The opening of an alternative route through the waterway could alleviate pressure on global trade and diminish Iran’s influence in the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, during a visit to the Persian Gulf, stated that Washington is committed to ensuring the unimpeded movement of ships through the strait. “If this stops, then we will have problems,” Rubio said earlier on Thursday. Although shipping activity has improved, traffic remains below pre-war levels. Oil prices also briefly fell below the pre-war level of nearly 73 dollars per barrel, signaling that markets are beginning to anticipate greater stability.
Source: NDTV Hindi