Dozens of ships have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent days, a notable increase in traffic attributed to an agreement between the United States and Iran, which has led to the lifting of certain naval blockades and the easing of sanctions. According to Jemima Shelley, a senior research analyst at the United Against Nuclear Iran campaign, at least 30 tankers have departed the Gulf laden with Iranian oil and petrochemicals since the deal was reached.
The U.S. Treasury has issued a license permitting the sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and other oil products until August 21, effectively easing decades-old sanctions. On Monday, at least five previously sanctioned tankers linked to Iran navigated the strait, carrying an estimated four million barrels of oil, according to ship-tracking data.
Beyond oil shipments, there has also been an increase in general trade. Martin Kelly of crisis management firm EOS Risk Group noted a rise in 'normal' trade activities. On Monday, four liquefied natural gas tankers were observed on ship-tracking platforms heading through the strait towards Qatar's Ras Laffan port. Additionally, three tankers and three cargo vessels exited the Gulf on Tuesday.
All of these transits have utilized the Iranian-approved northern route, which passes through Iranian waters, rather than the southern route recommended by the U.S. near the coast of Oman. Current ship-tracking data indicates that over 250 tankers and 440 cargo ships remain within the Gulf. Of these, more than 80% of the tankers are stationary or at anchor, with approximately one in six appearing to be carrying cargo. The overall traffic in the waterway saw a surge, with 42 ships recorded on Saturday alone.