At the narrow throat of the Persian Gulf, where roughly a fifth of the world's oil has long flowed as a matter of course, only six vessels dared passage on a single Sunday in July 2026 — the quietest crossing in five weeks. The silence is not natural but chosen, as shipping companies weigh the calculus of commerce against the reality of active military strikes between the United States and Iran. In the gap between President Trump's declaration that the strait remains open and Iran's insistence that it is closed, tanker captains are switching off their transponders and slipping through the dark
The Economic Times
· Jul 13, 2026
· security
· 2 min read
High
Sourcing: Verified
Hormuz traffic hits five-week low as US-Iran tensions escalate
◉
War & Conflict
9303 related articles
Ukrainian drones strike Moscow hours after CIA director's visit
Google News · 100% match
Al-Hayya's Hamas Leadership Tests Ceasefire Amid Power Pressures
Al Jazeera · 99% match
Zelenskyy replaces military chief Syrskii with Drapatyi amid leadershi…
Al Jazeera · 99% match
Israel escalates Gaza attacks and West Bank settlements ahead of Octob…
Al Jazeera · 99% match
Trump vows to continue US military campaign against Iran as regional t…
Deutsche Welle · 99% match
Related Coverage
Al Jazeera · Sep 09
Lebanon's schools face dual crisis: reopening classrooms while sheltering displaced families
Lebanese schools prepare to reopen September 15 while still sheltering over one million displaced people from Israeli mi…
NPR · Sep 09 U.S. military destroys 5 Iranian oil tankers in response to warship attacksThe U.S. military destroyed five Iranian oil tankers Tuesday in response to attacks on American Navy warships, escalatin…
The Guardian · Sep 09 Europe's ambition-reality gap fuels far-right rise as voters lose faith in unityA major study reveals Europeans overwhelmingly support a strong, united Europe but lack confidence it can be achieved, c…
Reuters · Sep 09 Russian drones strike Ukraine-Moldova border crossing, killing and injuring civiliansRussian drones struck a Ukraine-Moldova border crossing, killing and injuring civilians in the attack. The incident mark…
Bias & Framing
No detailed analysis data available for this lens. Try re-running lenses from the admin panel.
Geopolitical Impact
🌎
Strait of Hormuz traffic plummets to five-week lows amid escalating US-Iran military strikes and ship attacks, threatening 21% of global oil transit and destabilizing energy markets.
Escalation Risk
critical
Confidence
HIGH
Iran
United States
Gulf Cooperation Council states (UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait)
India
Global energy markets
Direct military escalation between US and Iran demonstrates hardening positions with no diplomatic off-ramps. Iran's assertion of strait closure control challenges US freedom-of-navigation doctrine. Tanker operators' transponder shutdowns indicate loss of confidence in international maritime security frameworks. Regional allies (UAE, Saudi Arabia) face pressure as their oil exports face disruption.
Echoes 1987-1988 Tanker War during Iran-Iraq conflict when US Navy escorts became necessary; current situation shows similar trajectory toward potential direct US-Iran naval confrontation and possible international coalition responses.
Economic Lens
📈
Strait of Hormuz vessel traffic plummeted to five-week lows amid US-Iran escalation, with tankers disabling transponders and LNG shipments halting, threatening global oil supply stability.
Market Signal
bearish
Confidence
HIGH
Oil & Gas
Shipping & Logistics
Energy Markets
Insurance
Defense & Security
International Trade
Consumers face potential oil price spikes due to supply disruptions through Hormuz (30% of global seaborne oil passes through). Increased shipping insurance costs will raise transportation expenses, eventually reflected in higher fuel and energy prices for households.
Governments may implement strategic petroleum reserve releases to stabilize prices. Increased naval presence and international coordination for maritime security likely. Potential sanctions escalation or diplomatic intervention by major oil-importing nations (India, China, EU). Insurance and shipping regulations may tighten.