Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, a major hub for global energy and commodity transport, has significantly decreased recently. Amidst the Iran, US, and Israel conflict, shipping through this waterway dropped by approximately 28% in the past week, with only 77 vessels making the passage. This alarming information comes from a recent report by Kepler, an international firm that monitors and analyzes maritime activities, indicating potential profound impacts on global trade.
According to Kepler's data, the number of cargo ships decreased from 45 to 33 in the last week. This not only indicates a reduction in overall shipping but also highlights the direct impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the commercial functionality of this vital waterway. Analysts believe this trend could create instability in international supply chains and energy markets.
More significantly, out of a total of 28 vessels that transited the Strait of Hormuz between September 4 and 6, 21 used Iran's designated maritime routes. This indicates that ships are bypassing conventional international shipping lanes and following routes directed by Iran, presenting a new picture of regional control. This move raises uncertainty regarding the safety of commercial vessels and questions about its potential impact on international maritime law and protocols.
The same trend was observed last Sunday, September 6, when seven out of eight vessels crossing Hormuz followed Iran's designated maritime routes. This consistency suggests that this is not an isolated incident but rather a well-organized and growing trend resulting from the ongoing conflict. It is believed that commercial vessels are using these routes to avoid risks or comply with specific military directives.
In Kepler's analysis, both the decrease in cargo ship traffic and the use of Iran's designated maritime routes are highly significant. This clearly demonstrates that the ongoing state of conflict is directly impacting the commercial operations of the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, it has begun to negatively affect the overall trade of Gulf countries, which could harm the regional economy in the long term. International trade experts are observing this situation with deep concern.
In this situation, Kepler's observation is whether this new trend observed towards the end of last week around the Strait of Hormuz will become permanent. It is noteworthy that Tehran has suspended normal operations in the Strait of Hormuz since February 28, following attacks on Iran by the US and Israel. Approximately one-fifth of the world's total supply of fuel oil and gas is usually transported through this route, and its disrupted functionality has had a significant impact on global energy markets, leading to a substantial increase in prices worldwide.
Amidst this tension, Iran's top security official, Mohsen Rezaei, announced that Tehran would declare a new 'controlled zone' outside the Strait of Hormuz within a few days. He stated that this new controlled zone would begin from the point where the US initiated its naval blockade and would extend to various important areas in the Gulf. Iran's move is seen as an attempt to further strengthen its military and strategic control over regional waters.
Amidst this ongoing geopolitical conflict, a different kind of news has sparked curiosity in the international community. According to various international media sources, US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering renaming the Strait of Hormuz after himself, as 'Trump Strait'. While such a proposal is symbolic, it has generated both amusement and discomfort amidst the ongoing tensions, highlighting the multifaceted nature of the regional conflict.
