Iran Establishes Agency to Control Strait of Hormuz Shipping
Iran has created the Persian Gulf Organization to regulate and tax vessel transit through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, requiring permits and imposing routing restrictions. This move, deemed illegal by maritime experts under international law, follows escalated tensions involving US-Israeli conflict and US blockades of Iranian ports. The resulting disruption to global oil supplies has spiked fuel prices and shaken the world economy. While the US seeks UN condemnation, Russia and China have vetoed previous resolutions, highlighting a severe geopolitical standoff over this vital energy corridor.
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Iran Rejects Oman's Proposal for Equal Control of Strait of Hormuz, Strikes Oil Tankers
Iran has rejected a proposal from Oman to evenly share control of the Strait of Hormuz, insisting on controlling most of the critical oil and LNG chokepoint. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Tehran views the Omani plan, which would divide lanes evenly and impose voluntary fees on ships for navigation safety and environmental protection, as unrealistic and influenced by the US and Saudi Arabia. The rejection coincides with renewed military strikes in the region, including an IRGC claim that it struck three oil tankers in the Strait after they ignored warnings and used an 'unsafe and illegal route.' The IRGC Navy stated it maintains full control over Hormuz and warned against US interventions. The developments have dashed hopes for a quick return to diplomacy and sent oil prices surging in Asian trade.
Oman Presents Iran with Gulf-Backed Plan for Voluntary Hormuz Transit Fees; US Rejects Tolls
On July 28, 2026, Oman presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal for voluntary fees for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The United States has rejected the idea of imposing tolls on the waterway. Separately, Saudi Arabia reported that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting its oil facilities, highlighting ongoing regional security tensions. The plan, backed by Gulf states, aims to address navigation security and revenue concerns, but faces opposition from Washington, which views tolls as potentially destabilizing. The developments underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Persian Gulf region, involving Iran, Gulf Arab states, and the US.
Oman Presents Iran with Gulf-Backed Plan for Voluntary Hormuz Transit Fees; US Rejects Tolls
On July 28, 2026, Oman presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal for voluntary fees for transit through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. The United States has rejected the idea of imposing tolls on the strait. Separately, Saudi Arabia reported that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones targeting its oil facilities, highlighting ongoing regional security tensions. The article, published by The Business Times (Singapore), covers these intertwined diplomatic and security developments in the Persian Gulf region.
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Oman Presents Iran with Gulf-Backed Plan for Voluntary Fees to Use Strait of Hormuz
Oman has presented Iran with a Gulf-backed proposal for voluntary fees for the use of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil shipments. The plan, reportedly supported by several Gulf nations, aims to reduce tensions and jumpstart broader peace talks. Iran hosted diplomatic calls with Saudi Arabia and Oman to discuss the initiative, while former U.S. President Donald Trump hailed the discussions as 'good talks.' The proposal is seen as a potential step toward de-escalation in the region, though details on the fee structure and implementation remain unclear. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic waterway through which about 20% of the world's oil passes, making it a focal point of geopolitical friction between Iran and Western-backed Gulf states.
Iran Claims Control of Strait of Hormuz After Weekend Strike Pause
On Monday, Iran asserted that it controls the Strait of Hormuz, following a pause in strikes over the weekend. According to multiple Iranian state media outlets citing an unidentified source, Tehran forced back six ships attempting to transit the strait without clearance. The report, noted by Reuters, highlights heightened tensions in the strategic waterway, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. The claim comes amid ongoing regional conflict, though specific details on the nature of the strikes or the ships involved remain unclear. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for about 20% of the world's oil, making any disruption significant for global energy markets and maritime security.
Iran says progress in Oman talks on Hormuz Strait management
Iran announced progress in talks with Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, following rounds of negotiations in Tehran between deputy foreign ministers on July 24-25, 2026. The discussions focused on common principles and operational mechanisms for safe shipping while respecting sovereign rights. The talks occur amid renewed US airstrikes on Iran aimed at ending Tehran's control of the strait, after a June memorandum of understanding briefly eased tensions. Iran stated it had not recorded any US attacks after nearly two weeks of strikes. According to Axios, the Pentagon presented a plan for a 14th consecutive night of strikes, but President Trump declined to authorize it in favor of renewed talks, after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran. Iran's armed forces stopped six vessels attempting to transit the strait on July 26. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the talks as useful and said technical and political consultations continue.
Iran says Revolutionary Guards stopped three oil tankers in Strait of Hormuz
On July 23, 2026, Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced they had stopped three oil tankers attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz via a route hugging the Omani coast. According to a statement carried by Iranian state media, one tanker exploded and caught fire, causing the other two to turn back. The Guards accused the tankers of being 'provoked and tempted by the child-killing American army' and warned that any vessel attempting to pass without coordination with Iran would face the same fate. In recent weeks, Iran has targeted tankers using the Omani coastal route to pressure vessels into using Iranian waters and paying for safe passage. The incident underscores escalating tensions between the US and Iran over control of the strategic waterway, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
Houthis Attack Saudi Oil Tankers in Red Sea, Escalating Energy Supply Risks
The Houthis in Yemen claim to have struck two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones, causing fires on both vessels. The UK Maritime Trade Operations confirmed an attack on at least one tanker 70 nautical miles southwest of Al Shuqaiq, Saudi Arabia, with no casualties reported. This follows the Houthis' declaration of closing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait to Saudi vessels. The incident occurs amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions, with President Trump threatening to destroy Iranian infrastructure if Iran attacks ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. Navy warned that Iran instructed the Houthis to be ready to close the Red Sea oil route if the U.S. strikes Iran. Traffic through both chokepoints has declined sharply, with vessels turning back near the Gulf of Aden, raising concerns about increased freight costs and geopolitical risk premiums for energy markets. The attack also comes after the deaths of three U.S. soldiers in a July 17 Iranian attack on a base in Jordan.
Iran and Houthis Escalate Maritime Blockade as U.S. Strikes Continue in Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea
The United States conducted its 11th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure in the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran-backed Houthis escalated threats to commercial shipping in the Red Sea. On July 20, Houthi spokesman Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree announced a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia, warning vessels trading with Saudi ports would be targeted. Vessel tracking data shows only three commodity vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, none carrying crude or gas, while Bab el-Mandeb traffic dropped to 29 crossings from over 60 before the crisis. Two Saudi crude tankers bound for Asia reversed course in the Red Sea. CENTCOM stated the Strait of Hormuz remains open and has facilitated transit of 900 commercial vessels since May, but the dual chokepoint closures represent one of the most consequential maritime disruptions in modern years.
Rubio Warns of Dangerous Precedent in Iranian Strait of Hormuz Demands
Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that the Iranian military's control over the Strait of Hormuz sets a dangerous precedent for the international community. He argued that allowing a nation state to unilaterally control an international waterway and impose tolls would undermine global maritime norms and security. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, and Iran has previously threatened to disrupt traffic there amid tensions with the West. Rubio's comments reflect ongoing U.S. concerns about Iranian assertiveness in the region and the potential for broader conflict if such actions are normalized.
Hormuz vessel crossings fall further as security concerns linger amid US-Iran attacks
The article reports a continued decline in vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint for global oil and LNG shipments. On July 21, 2026, no very large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers were observed transiting the strait, reflecting heightened security concerns. The decline is attributed to ongoing US-Iran attacks and the widening conflict, including a threat by Houthi forces to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The situation underscores escalating regional instability and risks to global energy supply chains.
Hormuz vessel crossings fall further as security concerns linger amid US-Iran attacks
The article reports a continued decline in vessel crossings through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and LNG shipments, as of July 21, 2026. No very large crude carriers or liquefied natural gas tankers were observed transiting the strait on that day. The decline is attributed to escalating security concerns stemming from ongoing US-Iran attacks. The conflict is widening, with Yemen's Houthi movement announcing plans to impose a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia, further threatening maritime security in the region. The situation underscores growing risks to global energy supply chains.
Ships shun Strait of Hormuz as renewed fighting strains key oil corridor
Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted since U.S. President Donald Trump's naval blockade took effect last week, with crossings down 66% according to Lloyd's List Intelligence. Renewed U.S. strikes on Iran and Tehran's blanket ban on maritime traffic have driven shipowners to avoid the strategic waterway, which carries roughly a fifth of global oil consumption. Tanker and gas carrier movements dropped from 90 to 30 crossings in a week. Kpler and S&P Global data confirm the sharp decline, with daily crossings falling to single digits. Analysts warn that flows have dropped to around 15% of pre-war levels and oil could retest $100 per barrel if fighting persists. While some vessels still transit, movements are expected to continue in 'ebbs and flows' as shipowners assess risk windows.
Few tankers enter Hormuz to load oil, LNG floating storage rises, data shows
According to data reported by The Business Times Singapore on July 20, 2026, the number of tankers entering the Strait of Hormuz to load oil has significantly decreased, while floating storage of LNG has increased. The article notes that both Iran and the United States are attempting to exert control over the strategic waterway, which is a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments. The reduced tanker traffic and rising floating storage indicate potential disruptions or heightened tensions in the region, affecting oil and LNG supply chains.
Iran threatens to block more vital seaways as Trump orders renewed Iran blockade
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to close all export corridors benefiting the US and its allies, after shutting the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposing a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC stated that regional energy exports are either shared by all or denied to all. Analysts warn Iran may use its Houthi allies in Yemen to shut the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, potentially sending oil prices to $200 per barrel. The US military launched a fresh round of strikes to degrade Iranian capabilities used to attack commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, hitting dozens of military targets. The IRGC claimed to have targeted US Fifth Fleet facilities in Bahrain, a logistics facility in Kuwait, and a base in Jordan. The escalation follows US strikes and Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments previously passed daily.
Fewer Vessels Transit Strait of Hormuz After US Resumes Blockade
According to Kpler data, only nine vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on July 15, 2026, a decrease from 13 the previous day. This decline follows the United States resuming its blockade of the strategic waterway. The situation has escalated since Iran announced on July 11 that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, leading to heightened hostilities. The Business Times reports the data, highlighting the immediate impact on maritime traffic through one of the world's most critical oil transit chokepoints.
Fewer vessels travel through Hormuz after US resumes blockade
On July 15, 2026, the first day after the US reimposed its naval blockade on Iranian ports, only nine vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz, down from 13 the previous day, according to Kpler data. No Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCC) or LNG tankers were visibly transiting. US Central Command reported disabling an unladen oil tanker, the Curacao-flagged VLCC Belma, which was attempting to sail toward Iran's Kharg Island after ignoring warnings. Since resuming the blockade on Tuesday, the US has redirected two ships and disabled another. Hostilities have escalated since Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz on July 11. The waterway, which carried about a fifth of global oil and gas shipments before the war, remains largely blocked by military operations. Five empty vessels entered the Gulf on Wednesday, while four vessels carrying LPG, coal, fuel oil, and fertilizer exited.
IEA Warns World Has Only Weeks to Avoid Economic Shock from Strait of Hormuz Closure
The International Energy Agency (IEA) Executive Director Fatih Birol warned that the world has only weeks, not months, to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to avoid severe economic consequences. The warning follows a sharp escalation in the Middle East, where Iran struck commercial vessels including two UAE-operated supertankers, and the U.S. responded with strikes on Iran and reinstated a naval blockade. Tanker traffic through the strait, which had briefly rebounded after a U.S.-Iran memorandum, has plunged to five-week lows. Oil prices rose about 13% since the previous Friday. Birol stressed that the strait must be 'fully open, unconditionally open' to prevent global economic slowdown and fuel price spikes. The IMO Secretary General also declared navigation through the chokepoint too dangerous. Analysts note that while crude supply is not the immediate stress, fuel markets are extremely tight.
IMO Warns Shippers to Avoid Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
The head of the UN's International Maritime Organization (IMO), Arsenio Dominguez, urged ship owners and operators not to risk transiting the Strait of Hormuz due to heightened volatility and security threats. The warning follows a recent uptick in attacks, including Iran striking two UAE-managed oil supertankers, and U.S. military strikes and a naval blockade to halt Iranian oil exports. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reaffirmed a 'severe' threat level, warning of increased IRGC monitoring, possible vessel diversion to Iranian-controlled routes, and congestion near anchorages. The IMO also rejected a short-lived proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump to impose a 20% fee on cargo value for U.S. guardianship of the strait, reaffirming that passage should remain free under international law.
Iran threatens to block more vital seaways as Trump orders renewed Iran blockade
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has threatened to close all export corridors benefiting the US and its allies, after shutting the Strait of Hormuz and the US reimposing a naval blockade of Iranian ports. The IRGC stated that regional energy exports must be shared by all or denied to all. Analysts warn Iran may use its Houthi allies in Yemen to close the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a vital Red Sea gateway. A senior Houthi official warned that closing the strait could send oil prices to $200 per barrel if Saudi Arabia continues attacks on Yemen. The US military launched a fresh round of strikes near the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian coastal areas, targeting military capabilities used to attack commercial shipping. Iran claimed it attacked US facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan in retaliation. The escalation follows US strikes over the past week and Iran's attacks on seven commercial ships, resulting in casualties.