The Strait of Hormuz has been virtually empty in the last 24 hours. According to real-time tracking systems like MarineTraffic, Windward, and Hormuz Strait Monitor, while normally around 60 ships pass through daily, only 1 to 3 ships transited in the last 24 hours. This represents a 1 to 5 percent decrease from the daily average. Oil tankers and commercial vessels have largely come to a standstill. Many ships have either changed their routes or are waiting in Gulf ports. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard's interference with GPS signals and harsh warnings against unauthorized passage have paralyzed traffic.

Politically, the situation is very tense. Following the US and Israeli attacks on Iran, which began on February 28, 2026, Tehran effectively closed the strait. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard only grants passage to authorized ships. Some countries outside of US allies have been given limited passage. For example, Pakistan was given the green light for 20 additional ships, a move described as "the first sign of peace." Similar agreements have been made with countries like Malaysia and Thailand. However, the general rule is clear: the threat of attacks on ships making unauthorized passage continues. Some tankers are routed through a narrow corridor controlled by Iran, and millions of dollars are demanded as a "fee" per passage. The Trump administration is increasing diplomacy and, if necessary, military pressure to open the strait. In the latest development, the deadline Trump gave Iran was extended to April 6.

Strategically, the Strait of Hormuz has become Iran's strongest bargaining chip. This 21-mile-wide narrow passage, which handles 20% of the world's oil and LNG trade, gives Tehran the power to control global energy flows. Iran uses this advantage to finance the war and create pressure at the negotiating table. It is also threatening the Bab el-Mandeb Strait in coordination with the Houthis. The US is trying to revive traffic with multinational patrol and escort ships. However, the risk of Iranian mine-laying and drone attacks remains high. Traffic has almost completely stopped at the narrowest point of the strait.

The economic impact is global. Brent crude oil rose above $91, registering a 4% daily increase. Inflationary pressure has increased as a significant portion of the world's oil supply has been cut off. The International Energy Agency has decided to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves. Cargo insurance and freight costs have skyrocketed. LNG and oil shipments to Asia have been largely disrupted. Goldman Sachs and other institutions have lowered their 2026 growth forecasts. If the short-term supply shock persists, the risk of recession is also increasing.

In conclusion, the latest 24-hour traffic data in the Strait of Hormuz reveals the most critical front in this conflict. Iran is both generating revenue and maintaining pressure by allowing selective passage. The Trump administration, meanwhile, is seeking a balance between diplomacy and deterrence. Ship traffic remains at a minimum level and could be completely halted at any moment by new tensions. While global energy markets await the opening of this bottleneck, political and strategic uncertainty is increasing economic costs daily. The situation is being closely monitored because the fate of the strait directly affects not only the Middle East but the entire global economy.
#OilPricesResumeUptrend
#TrumpExtendsStrikeDelay10Days
#USIranClashOverCeasefireTalks