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Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped dramatically since a U.S. naval blockade began, with only a handful of vessels successfully crossing the critical oil transit route in recent days, according to shipping data cited in reports.
Just four ships have passed through the strait since the blockade was implemented, while roughly 800 vessels remain backed up in the Persian Gulf, creating a growing bottleneck in global shipping lanes.
U.S. Central Command said 14 vessels linked to Iran were forced to turn around in the Gulf of Oman during the first 72 hours of the operation. Before the conflict escalated, the scale of the disruption increased.
Despite the presence of U.S. warships and ongoing efforts to clear naval mines, shipping traffic has remained limited, with operators appearing reluctant to risk passage. Iran has warned it could target vessels attempting to cross without its approval and has reportedly imposed a steep toll on transit.
The strait serves as a key chokepoint for global energy supplies, with about 20 percent of the world’s oil passing through it under normal conditions. Prior to the conflict, Iran exported roughly 2 million barrels of oil per day via the route.
Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could force Iran to scale back production and drive up global fuel prices. U.S. gasoline prices are already averaging around $4 per gallon, with the potential for further increases if the situation persists.
President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran could resume as soon as this weekend and suggested progress is being made despite ongoing disagreements.
“We’re very close to making a deal,” President Trump told reporters.
Key sticking points in the talks include limits on Iran’s uranium enrichment, the duration of any restrictions, and the scope and timing of sanctions relief. While Iran is pushing for faster easing of sanctions, the United States is seeking longer-term constraints as part of any agreement.