Traffic Through the Strait of Hormuz Reaches Record Levels Since War with Iran

The intensity of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically significant waterway, has surged to its highest level since the onset of the war against Iran. According to information published by Bloomberg on April 6, 21 vessels passed through the strait over two days, with 13 heading to the Arabian Sea.

This uptick in shipping activity is attributed to an increasing number of countries entering into agreements with Iran for safe passage through this crucial maritime artery. While most vessels traversing the Strait of Hormuz are Iranian, on Sunday, April 5, a tanker from Iraq also made its way through the strait. Bloomberg reported that Iran lifted restrictions on shipping for Iraq in the Strait of Hormuz, marking a significant step in the restoration of trade relations.

Additionally, several Indian tankers carrying liquefied gas have also passed through the strait. Last week, passage was granted to two container ships with ties to China, as well as two vessels associated with Japan. This indicates that international trade is beginning to recover, despite the tense situation in the region.

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that on April 2, a container ship owned by a French company passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This marked the first instance of a European vessel being able to navigate the strait following the blockade imposed by Iran. At that time, Tehran announced its intention to continue controlling shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, even after the war concludes.

On March 24, the agency reported that Iran was charging ships fees of up to $2 million for a single passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Subsequently, Tehran stated that 'non-hostile' vessels could pass through the strait provided they coordinated their actions with Iranian authorities. This has raised concerns within the international community, as such actions could threaten the freedom of navigation in the region.

On April 4, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran had 48 hours to reach an agreement or unblock the Strait of Hormuz. He also reiterated his demand for Iran to open the strait, using a profanity, and threatened to strike Iran's power plants and bridges if an agreement was not reached. These statements underscore the long-standing tensions between the two countries.

In response to the threats from the U.S., Tehran declared that if further strikes were made against Iranian infrastructure, 'the gates of hell' would open for the U.S. and Israel. This indicates Iran's readiness to defend its interests and respond to external threats.

According to CNN, Tehran has stated that it will fully open the Strait of Hormuz only after compensating the country for financial losses incurred due to the war. This could pose a serious obstacle to the restoration of normal shipping in the region.

On April 6, Axios reported that the U.S. and Iran are discussing terms for a potential 45-day ceasefire through intermediaries, which could lead to a definitive end to the war. However, on the same day, Reuters, citing sources, reported that Iran had rejected a proposal to end the war with the U.S. and Israel, under which Tehran would unblock the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for a ceasefire.

Subsequently, CNN, citing sources, reported that Donald Trump also did not support the document, which could complicate further negotiations between the parties. The situation in the region remains tense, and subsequent events could significantly impact global trade routes and security in the Strait of Hormuz.