Strait of Hormuz turns into a 'ghost' after US threats - opinion

After Iran's attack on two Abu Dhabi tankers, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is almost paralyzed: only two vessels passed on Friday, and oil transport has ceased. The US announced unprecedented pressure measures, while Iran demands the lifting of sanctions.

Following Iran's attack on two tankers belonging to an Abu Dhabi oil company, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been virtually paralyzed. On Friday, only two vessels passed through the strait, and crude oil transport has completely stopped, according to data from Kpler. The US has announced its intention to impose unprecedented economic pressure measures on Iran. The Iranian parliament has supported a ban on the passage of ships linked to the US, Israel, and other hostile states. Tehran demands the full lifting of sanctions and the unfreezing of assets to restore shipping. US President Donald Trump is betting on economic pressure and targeted strikes, avoiding a large-scale ground operation. Earlier, it was reported that Tehran does not link the restoration of shipping to negotiations mediated by Oman. Before the outbreak of hostilities in February 2026, up to 130 vessels passed through the strait daily.