Photo: PUNIT PARANJPE / AFP / Getty Images
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained almost completely halted on Thursday (April 9) despite a ceasefire agreement between Iran and U.S.-Israeli forces. The waterway, which is critical to global oil and gas trade, typically handles about one-fifth of the world’s crude, but only a handful of ships have passed since the truce began.
According to data from ship-tracking sources like MarineTraffic and Kpler, just 10 vessels, including only four tankers, transited the strait in the first 24 hours of the ceasefire, and almost all were linked to Iranian trade or countries friendly to Iran. S&P Global Market Intelligence reported that nine ships passed through across Wednesday and Thursday, far below the usual rate. Normally, up to 150 commercial ships might cross daily, but traffic is now estimated at just 10–15 passages per day if the ceasefire holds.
Many shipowners remain cautious due to ongoing concerns about security and sanctions, even though the ceasefire is technically in effect. The Iranian government has insisted that all vessels coordinate with its naval forces before moving through the strait, and radio warnings have threatened military action against ships that do not comply. Iran has also announced new routes near Larak Island and is reportedly considering charging tolls in cryptocurrency for passage during the truce.
The situation is further complicated by the presence of around 800 ships and thousands of crew members still stuck on either side of the strait since the conflict began in late February. The International Energy Agency has described this as the most severe disruption to global oil supply in decades. No new attacks on ships have been reported since the ceasefire, but risk remains high, with more than 30 commercial vessels attacked or reporting incidents since March 1.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance expressed cautious optimism, saying, “We actually think that we are seeing signs that the straits are starting to reopen,” although most experts and shipowners believe it is too soon to expect a full return to normal traffic. President Donald Trump stated that U.S. military forces will stay in the region until a “real agreement” is reached, emphasizing that the strait must remain open and safe.
Further talks are scheduled in Islamabad on Friday (April 10) to discuss a permanent ceasefire, but deep disagreements remain, especially over Iran’s nuclear program and security guarantees for shipping.