Hormuz Strait Traffic Hits War Peak

At least 36 commodity carriers passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, marking the highest daily movement recorded since the escalation of conflict in the Middle East in late February, according to data from maritime tracking firm Kpler.

The figure represents roughly one-third of normal peacetime traffic, which averages about 120 vessels daily through the narrow waterway. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global chokepoint, handling close to 20% of global oil and gas exports.

Kpler noted that the final tally for Monday could still rise as additional vessels are detected later in its tracking cycle, suggesting the figure may be revised upward.

Maritime flows have gradually increased in recent days following a tentative understanding reached last week between Washington and Tehran aimed at de-escalating hostilities. Before the June 14 agreement, fewer than 10 commodity vessels were recorded daily since Iran shut the passage on March 1 in response to US and Israeli strikes.

Since June 15, traffic has recovered modestly, averaging 21 vessels per day and peaking at 27 over the past five days, indicating a slow but uneven restoration of commercial movement.

Iranian officials have maintained a hardline stance on the strategic route.

US Vice President JD Vance (2ndR), US President’s special envoy Steve Witkoff (L), Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (2ndL) and Pakistan’s Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir shake hands ahead of a quadrilateral meeting between the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 21, 2026, as part of high-level talks aimed at advancing a deal to end the Middle East conflict. (Photo by Nathan Howard / POOL / AFP)

“The Strait of Hormuz will never return to its pre-war conditions and will be administered by the Islamic Republic of Iran, in accordance with international law,” Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said during talks in Switzerland, according to state media.

The question of control over the waterway remains central to ongoing negotiations expected to continue over the next two months.

Tensions remain fragile despite diplomatic activity. Iran announced on Saturday that it had again closed the strait following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, underscoring the volatility of the corridor.

Meanwhile, the United States said on Monday it was temporarily easing sanctions on Iran to allow crude oil production, sales and deliveries to continue through August 21, a move seen as part of efforts to stabilise energy flows through the region.

Author

Tope Oke

Temitope is a storyteller driven by a passion for the intricate world of geopolitics, the raw beauty of wildlife, and the dynamic spirit of sports. As both a writer and editor, he excels at crafting insightful and impactful narratives that not only inform but also inspire and advocate for positive change. Through his work, he aims to shed light on complex issues, celebrate diverse perspectives, and encourage readers to engage with the world around them in a more meaningful way.