Hormuz Straits: Navigating the Prolonged Conflict

The United States has imposed a naval blockade aimed at ending Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz. The move seeks to cut Tehran’s oil income by blocking traffic to and from Iranian ports.

Naval deployment and monitoring

More than 12 American military vessels were stationed in international waters in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces also monitor the area with radar, patrol aircraft and drones, former naval officer Jennifer Parker said.

U.S. Central Command confirmed vessel movements through the strait on recent days. Maritime intelligence firms track patterns, but verification remains difficult.

How shipping patterns shifted

Shipping declined sharply after the United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28. Vessel traffic fell from about 130 ships per day to only a handful.

Earlier in the conflict, Iran allowed ships carrying its own cargo to transit the strait. Tehran attacked other commercial vessels while permitting Iranian-linked tankers to pass.

Responses to the U.S. blockade

Since the American blockade began, Kpler reported no Iran-linked vessels leaving the region. Some ships slowed or stopped. At least two vessels targeted by U.S. sanctions reversed course.

The Chinese tanker Rich Starry was observed heading toward open water and then making a U-turn. Other non-Iran-linked ships did transit on Monday and Tuesday.

Commercial concerns and hazards

Vessels that did cross stayed close to the Omani coast. Operators sought to avoid the strait’s center because of possible sea mines.

Shipping companies remain hesitant to attempt the crossing. Many fear Iranian retaliation against commercial traffic in response to the blockade.

Scale of disruption

A New York Times analysis of Kpler data found about 900 ships bottled up in the Persian Gulf during the war. Ships in the gulf had been stranded for periods ranging from less than 10 days to 10–42 days.

Precise counts are hard to achieve. Vessels can hide or falsify location data, maritime experts warn.

Outlook

Analysts fear prolonged disruption around the Strait of Hormuz. Andreas Krieg of King’s College London predicted months of continued interference.

Without a political settlement, shipping firms may continue avoiding the passage. The situation remains fragile as actors test control of this vital waterway.

Coverage at Filmogaz.com will continue to follow developments related to Hormuz Straits and the prolonged conflict. Updates will rely on vessel-tracking data and official statements.