DistantNews
๐Ÿ‡ถ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Qatar /Conflict & Security

How many ships have passed the Strait of Hormuz and how many were attacked?

From Al Jazeera · (1d ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted by over 95% since the war began, with only 279 ships transiting between Feb. 28 and April 12.
  • The US has implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports, affecting maritime traffic to and from the country.
  • Iran had previously warned it could retaliate by targeting ports in neighboring Gulf countries and effectively shut down the strait.

Ship-tracking data reveals a dramatic decline in traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with over 95 percent fewer vessels passing since the onset of the war. Between February 28 and April 12, only 279 ships are recorded to have transited the vital waterway, a stark contrast to the pre-war average of approximately 100 ships per day. This significant drop underscores the impact of the escalating tensions and the new maritime regulations imposed. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has initiated a blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports, in accordance with President Trump's executive order. This blockade applies to vessels entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including those on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The implementation of this blockade adds another layer of complexity to the already precarious situation in the region. Iran had previously issued warnings of potential retaliation, threatening to target ports in neighboring Gulf countries. Furthermore, Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz to most international shipping following attacks on February 28, creating significant confusion for global shipping with conflicting instructions from Washington and Tehran.

vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, including all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman

โ€” US Central Command (CENTCOM)Describing the scope of the US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Al Jazeera. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.