Strait of Hormuz

Two commercial vessels — a Singapore-flagged container ship and an Antigua and Barbuda-flagged dry bulk carrier — sank near the Strait of Hormuz within 24 hours after being hit by projectiles in separate incidents, maritime officials said. One crew member died and most others were evacuated. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said a ship carrying 2,500 containers sank after striking a mine, while Reuters sources attributed a sinking to a projectile. Attacks in the waterway have surged, with Iran citing the U.S. naval blockade and sanctions; shipping volumes have plunged and oil prices moved.

13 reports · 2 sources · Updated Oct 18, 02:02 AM UTC

Two Singapore-registered container ships were reportedly struck by unidentified projectiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and one vessel subsequently sank, according to Singapore's Maritime and Port Authority. Reuters and maritime security sources also reported a ship sinking after being hit by projectiles or shellfire. No attackers, projectile types, casualties, cargo details, or claims of responsibility have been confirmed. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and container shipping, making the incident significant for regional security and international trade.

7 reports · 2 sources · Updated Oct 14, 08:40 PM UTC

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported multiple incidents in the Strait of Hormuz between October 2-5, 2024, where oil tankers and an LPG carrier were struck by unknown projectiles. One tanker suffered an engine room fire and power loss; no casualties or environmental damage were reported. Another oil tanker was turned back by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Authorities are investigating.

9 reports · 2 sources · Updated Oct 6, 03:00 PM UTC

On October 5, Saudi Arabia unexpectedly cut its November official selling price for Arab Light crude to Asia to a $5 per barrel discount against the Oman/Dubai average, a $3 reduction from October and the largest discount since June 2020. It also cut prices for Arab Medium and Heavy grades to Asia by $5 per barrel. Conversely, after resuming exports via Yanbu port, Saudi Arabia raised prices for all grades to Northwest Europe by $3 per barrel. U.S. prices were unchanged. OPEC+ maintained November output targets.

5 reports · 2 sources · Updated Oct 5, 12:20 AM UTC

President Donald Trump has rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days, which also included a ceasefire and nuclear talks. Multiple US officials report Trump told aides he expects to resume bombing Iran after the November midterm elections. Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi stated Iran is fully prepared for war but remains open to diplomacy, awaiting a formal US position via Qatari mediators. The conflict, ongoing since February, has disrupted global oil markets.

54 reports · 16 sources · Updated Oct 1, 11:55 PM UTC

Iranian military officials, including the Army Chief of Staff and a Supreme Leader advisor, assert Iran has complete control over the Strait of Hormuz, with some claiming it is closed. The US Central Command denies this, stating Iran's navy has been sunk and the strait remains open. US Secretary of State Rubio says only Iranian oil shipments are affected. President Trump claims US control. The conflicting statements signal heightened tensions over the strategic waterway.

18 reports · 2 sources · Updated Sep 30, 09:25 PM UTC

Saudi Arabia's crude oil exports surged nearly 80% in September 2026 to 6 million barrels per day, the highest level since the Iran war began seven months ago, according to Kpler data. The rebound occurred despite a drone attack from Iraq that shut the East-West pipeline, forcing reroutes through the Strait of Hormuz. Middle East exports overall recovered to about 80% of pre-conflict levels. Oil prices fell over 2% amid U.S.-Iran talks.

8 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 30, 02:47 PM UTC

The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported multiple incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, including a cargo ship struck by an unidentified projectile on September 23, causing a fire and two casualties, with all crew evacuated. Separately, an oil tanker and an LNG carrier were hit by unknown projectiles in delayed reports. Authorities are investigating, and no environmental impact has been reported.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 30, 10:26 AM UTC

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, in his September 23, 2026 UN General Assembly speech, declared Iran will never "bend the knee" to US pressure, denied seeking nuclear weapons while asserting the right to peaceful nuclear technology, and refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under sanctions. The US delegation walked out. He cited the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei and civilian deaths as evidence of aggression.

51 reports · 16 sources · Updated Sep 29, 07:30 PM UTC

An informed Iranian official, speaking through state-affiliated Press TV, has denied Saudi media reports that Tehran showed flexibility in its nuclear stance. The official described the reports as false psychological warfare and accused the US government of being deadlocked in the Strait of Hormuz, using the nuclear issue as a distraction. Iran's Foreign Minister separately rejected any suggestion of flexibility, stating Iran's position remains unchanged and its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz are clear.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 28, 10:20 PM UTC

The US-Iran standoff, ongoing since February 28, has entered its seventh month with the Strait of Hormuz blocked. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Trump expecting talks this week after rejecting an Iranian proposal. Iran's foreign minister stated readiness for war but openness to diplomacy. The IRGC seized a US underwater drone in the Strait. Regional spillover includes intensified Saudi-Houthi clashes, with Houthi authorities reporting 67 deaths since September 3.

12 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 28, 09:10 PM UTC

An Iranian parliamentary official stated that the US must accept Iran’s conditions before any talks, declaring the nuclear issue is no longer the core of negotiations and that the Strait of Hormuz has become the primary focus. This marks a significant shift in Iran’s stated priorities, elevating maritime security over the long-standing nuclear dispute.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 28, 08:12 PM UTC

Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the US lifts its naval blockade, ends oil sanctions, and unfreezes assets. US President Donald Trump rejected the proposal on September 26 but said on September 27 he expects more talks this week. Qatari mediators are shuttling between the sides in New York. The US has informed Iran it will not lift the maritime blockade, believing economic pressure will force concessions. Oil prices fell sharply on initial diplomatic hopes, then surged on the rejection.

52 reports · 19 sources · Updated Sep 28, 02:00 PM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Iran is fully prepared for a resumed war, even a "doomsday war," after President Trump rejected a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days. The proposal, conveyed via Qatar, required the US to lift its naval blockade, unfreeze $12 billion in assets, and end regional hostilities. Trump called the deal unacceptable, claiming Iran is "losing badly." Iran awaits a definitive US response through mediators.

103 reports · 25 sources · Updated Sep 28, 01:21 PM UTC

Saudi Arabia has completed repairs on its East-West Pipeline, damaged in a drone attack earlier this month, and resumed oil exports through the route. The pipeline, which bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, connects eastern oil fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu. Saudi Aramco tested and pressurized the pipeline last week, restoring substantial flows. Some European customers had been informed they would receive no crude allocations next month due to tight supply. Tanker loading at Yanbu had not yet resumed as of some reports.

22 reports · 9 sources · Updated Sep 28, 11:30 AM UTC

European natural gas prices rose sharply on Thursday after Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, speaking at the UN General Assembly, set conditions for resuming talks with the US, insisting Iran will not allow freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as long as sanctions and a US blockade remain. Benchmark Dutch futures gained up to 4.2% to €74.49 per megawatt-hour. LNG traffic through the strait remains low, while European gas storage is just above 70%, well below the seasonal norm of 86%. The EU Gas Coordination Group is scheduled to meet Thursday.

6 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 28, 07:00 AM UTC

President Donald Trump rejected Iran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, dashing hopes for a diplomatic resolution. Oil prices surged over 2%, with Brent crude topping $106 per barrel and WTI above $93. Global bond yields rose, Asian and US stock futures fell, and gold dropped below $4,180 per ounce. Iran stated it is ready for war but open to diplomacy. The rejection reversed market gains from the prior week driven by optimism over talks.

40 reports · 24 sources · Updated Sep 28, 06:08 AM UTC

Iranian officials at the UN General Assembly stated Iran will not surrender to US coercion and threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met. The threats drove Brent crude above $103/barrel and WTI to $92.16, ending a five-day losing streak. Hong Kong-listed Chinese oil stocks (PetroChina, CNOOC, Sinopec) rose 1-4% on multiple trading days. US President Trump simultaneously called for renewed negotiations while threatening military strikes. Bank of America warned oil could exceed $150/barrel if conflict depletes strategic reserves.

5 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 28, 02:38 AM UTC

Oil prices fell sharply over multiple sessions as US and Iranian negotiators held talks at the UN General Assembly in New York, exploring a phased deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Iran proposed reopening the waterway within seven days if the US lifts its maritime blockade and sanctions. Despite defiant rhetoric from Iran's president, markets priced in reduced geopolitical risk, with Brent crude briefly falling below $100 per barrel. However, shipping data showed traffic through the strait remained well below normal, and analysts warned that supply risks persist.

31 reports · 15 sources · Updated Sep 27, 11:20 PM UTC

Commercial vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply, with only nine ships transiting on Thursday and daily averages dropping to single digits. Shipowners and energy exporters are increasingly cautious due to renewed regional hostilities. No attacks on vessels have been reported in the past two days, according to Axios.

14 reports · 5 sources · Updated Sep 27, 02:24 PM UTC

Iran briefed Russia and Saudi Arabia on its consensus with Oman for a safe maritime corridor in the Strait of Hormuz, as Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi pledged continued efforts to guarantee navigational safety in the strait during the UN General Assembly. The diplomatic push follows a joint US-Israel preemptive strike on Iran on February 28 and subsequent Iranian retaliation that disrupted shipping.

7 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 27, 06:15 AM UTC

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud addressed the UN General Assembly, demanding the Strait of Hormuz be restored to its status before February 28, with no tolls or restrictions. He emphasized Gulf security's link to global energy security and trade stability, called for freedom of navigation in key waterways, and opposed their use as pressure tools. The demand follows a US-Israel strike on Iran and subsequent Iranian retaliation disrupting shipping.

5 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 27, 12:16 AM UTC

Saudi Arabia has sold nearly 100 million barrels of crude oil to Asian buyers for October and November delivery, equivalent to roughly one day of global demand. The sale follows a September 10 attack on the East-West pipeline that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz, which has not fully resumed operations. Saudi Aramco has unusually taken on shipping logistics and risk, delivering crude directly to customers in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. The move more than doubles Saudi oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz to Asia and provides a buffer for Asian refiners facing supply shortages from sanctions on Iran and political risks around Russian oil.

10 reports · 6 sources · Updated Sep 26, 03:55 PM UTC

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated on September 24 that Iran submitted a new draft proposal to the U.S. via Qatar to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the U.S. meets conditions from a June memorandum. U.S. officials described talks as "positive and constructive." The development drove international oil prices down over 2%, with WTI crude falling to $92.44 per barrel and Brent crude dropping below $98, boosting U.S. stock markets.

29 reports · 12 sources · Updated Sep 26, 12:17 AM UTC

The US Central Command reported that its blockade operations in the Strait of Hormuz have forced 122 commercial ships to reroute since July 14, with seven more diverted in the past two days. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the strait and resume ceasefire negotiations. US officials stated that 40 million barrels of oil transited under US escort in 48 hours, with shipping volumes returning to pre-conflict levels. Iran insists the strait remains blockaded.

12 reports · 6 sources · Updated Sep 25, 06:23 PM UTC

Qatar confirmed it is mediating indirect talks between the US and Iran, with multiple US officials expressing desire to reach an agreement. President Trump stated he is at a "decision-making stage" on Iran, not ruling out a meeting with Iranian President Pezeshkian. Iran proposed reopening the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade, but the US rejected the proposal, questioning Iran's authority over the waterway. Technical consultations have reportedly begun in New York.

24 reports · 7 sources · Updated Sep 25, 04:04 PM UTC

Reports citing Iranian, regional, and Western sources indicate US and Iranian representatives are discussing a gradual end to hostilities, with Iran potentially reopening the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the US lifting economic sanctions, though significant obstacles remain. This drove oil prices up (WTI +2.66%, Brent +3.58%). Separately, Houthi forces claimed attacks on Riyadh and Saudi Aramco facilities in Yanbu; Saudi Arabia reported intercepting six missiles but did not confirm the Riyadh strike. Three Federal Reserve officials made hawkish statements, raising October rate hike probability to 69%.

6 reports · 3 sources · Updated Sep 25, 03:34 AM UTC

On September 24, international oil prices surged 2.48% to $100.55 per barrel after Iran's top security official Mohsen Rezaei threatened on September 23 to close the Strait of Hormuz unless US conditions are met. US Treasury yields hit 2007 highs, with the 10-year at 5.14%. The Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates in October, with market odds near 70%. Goldman Sachs forecasts the Fed's final hike on October 27, contingent on sustained oil price declines to curb inflation, predicting Brent crude will fall to $85 per barrel by December.

13 reports · 8 sources · Updated Sep 25, 03:07 AM UTC

Gulf Arab states, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar, are set to urge U.S. President Donald Trump to avoid escalating hostilities with Iran during a meeting on Tuesday at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The GCC members seek to end the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in thousands of Iranian missile and drone attacks on their territory and disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, causing economic contraction. Internal divisions remain among Gulf governments on handling Iran.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 25, 02:00 AM UTC

Qatar has increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz to the highest level in over two months, with at least two laden vessels exiting and two entering the Persian Gulf last week. One cargo is heading to India. Ship tracking data shows this is the most sustained recovery since early July, when a Qatari vessel was attacked. Current volumes remain below the pre-war average of about three tankers per day. European and Asian gas prices have surged to their highest since 2022 as winter demand approaches.

5 reports · 4 sources · Updated Sep 24, 09:10 AM UTC