Strait of Hormuz Traffic Nearly Grinds to a Halt After Attacks on Two Ships

Commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly come to a standstill following escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and attacks on two more vessels in the strategically important waterway.

According to Reuters, two vessels belonging to Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) came under attack while passing through the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday evening.

The United Arab Emirates blamed Iran for the attacks, although Tehran had not immediately commented on the allegations. No casualties were reported.

The situation has become more serious after the United States announced further economic pressure on Iran and indicated that its naval blockade would remain in place for an extended period.

Data from a maritime vessel-tracking company showed that only a handful of vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday. These included a grain carrier entering Iranian waters, an empty dry bulk carrier travelling in the opposite direction, and an empty LPG tanker heading toward the Gulf.

Notably, no crude oil tanker was recorded passing through the Strait on Friday. This compares with nine commercial vessels that crossed the waterway on Thursday and five on Wednesday.

Before the war between Iran and the United States and Israel, and prior to February, more than 130 vessels typically passed through the Strait of Hormuz each day.

The available figures may not provide a complete picture because some vessels can switch off their transponders while sailing. Nevertheless, the sharp decline in overall maritime traffic is considered highly unusual.

Reuters reported that efforts to reduce tensions following a ceasefire agreement reached in June have failed to make significant progress. A senior Iranian official said earlier this week that there had been no progress in negotiations.

Following the end of the ceasefire, Iran has resumed operations against vessels it considers to be attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without permission.

Iran has continued to assert its right to control the waterway and restrict the movement of certain vessels, while the United States insists that the Strait must remain open to international trade.

Meanwhile, rising tensions pushed global oil prices higher on Friday. Brent crude rose to around **$87.87 per barrel**, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) climbed to approximately **$81.69 per barrel**.