Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US‑Iran deal

At least 172 vessels have crossed through the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Iran signed a peace deal on 18 June, including 42 ships on a single Saturday alone, according to maritime‑track data from Kpler.

The number of vessels making the transit is still well below the pre‑conflict average of about 138 crossings each day. More than 200 tankers appear to be waiting inside the strait, with at least 10 ships moving west into the Gulf so far.

The price of a barrel of Brent crude – the global benchmark – has dropped to its lowest level since the war began.

Rise in Iranian‑linked trade

Many of the tankers that have transited the strait in recent days are linked with Iran, following the lifting of the US naval blockade as part of the deal. At least 30 tankers have departed from the Gulf carrying Iranian oil or petrochemicals since the agreement, according to Jemima Shelley of the United Against Nuclear Iran campaign.

The US Treasury has eased decades‑old sanctions by issuing a licence to allow the sale of Iranian crude and other oil products until 21 August. On Monday, at least five tankers previously sanctioned by the US moved through the strait carrying up to four million barrels of oil.

Controlled route & shifting messages

All recent transits were made along the Iranian‑approved northern route, rather than the US‑recommended southern route near Oman’s coast. More than 250 tankers and 440 cargo ships remain inside the Gulf, most docked or stationary.

The agreement stipulates Iran will work with Oman to define future administration and maritime services of the strait, and Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority has issued a permit‑only rule for passage. However, the PGSA remains sanctioned, potentially deterring ship owners from applying for permits.

Mine threats keep trade in limbo

The Joint Maritime Information Centre (JMIC) warns ships to avoid the central, historically used corridor of the strait because of discovered sea mines. Two mines have been identified and active clearance operations are underway. The JMIC recommends vessels take a narrow southern route – closer to Oman – that has been confirmed clear of mines.

Even with this recommendation, a spike in transits did not materialise after the strait was declared open again on Tuesday; still only a trickle of tankers have resumed, according to Jemima Shelley.

Visualising the flow

Dynamic routing data demonstrates the cautious traffic patterns now prevailing in the region.