Iran war: See how tanker traffic collapsed in the Strait of Hormuz - Reuters

<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirgFBVV95cUxNVnZ1cUdfVWJ0RUFtVzJrM0NGdkxra1NDTVlnTzlZeDRhTkJXQUE0X2ZLdllQWGZXb0FoZVpxQk5NUThPb25zOWF2SDFKVlVHNGpsT3FFNzI1TkhCZVp0Y0pLSE13QnpjV0xQMVFPaVY0cDlIRVJpMnFlRUlkNkhxTno5ajJHN2cta0ROY0cxTl9lQkVWVzZ2Q0oyaUN2TVFKNU0wb2V5ODdRNUxscmc?oc=5" target="_blank">Iran war: See how tanker traffic collapsed in the Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>

The conflict in Iran has significantly disrupted maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint for oil and gas transport. Following American and Israeli strikes on February 28 and Iran's subsequent retaliation, vessel movement through the strait plummeted by 80% within a day. On March 2, an Iranian military commander issued a stark warning, threatening potential attacks on any ships attempting to transit the area. According to Le Monde, four vessels and five oil and gas infrastructure sites have been struck since hostilities began. This turmoil has severely affected global energy markets, with rising prices for oil and liquefied natural gas, as the strait is responsible for handling a fifth of global LNG and substantial oil volumes.

The Guardian spoke to a crew member on one of the stranded tankers that typically ferries vast quantities of oil from the Middle East to ports around the world. The crew member described the situation as being 'powerless' and 'hoping nothing hits us,' highlighting the severe impact of the escalating Iran war on global shipping and the safety of seafarers.

The 2026 Strait of Hormuz crisis, set off by joint US and Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, has resulted in nearly complete cessation of tanker traffic through this vital chokepoint. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps warnings and vessel strikes have caused 70% reductions in transits, insurance withdrawal, and vessels staying put in the Gulf of Oman; distorting global energy cargo flows.