Sharp Decrease in Ship Traffic in the Oman Channel of the Strait of Hormuz as Iran Continues to Tighten Control

Golden Ten Data reported on July 5th, citing institutional sources, that the number of vessels sailing through the Oman coastal route of the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply on Sunday. The previous day, several ships traversing this channel abruptly reversed course, highlighting that Iran is continuing to tighten its control over this strategic waterway. One refined oil tanker that turned back on Saturday appears to be attempting to pass through again and has now sailed past the northernmost tip of the Musandam Peninsula in Oman. Earlier, another refined oil tanker passed through the same route, openly broadcasting its navigation intentions, and is currently transmitting its position information in the Gulf of Oman. Some vessels have chosen to cross the strait "dark," without broadcasting their positions. On Sunday, a Suezmax crude oil carrier reappeared in the Gulf of Oman after last broadcasting its position in the Persian Gulf on Saturday. On Friday and Saturday, at least eight vessels abruptly reversed course while traversing the Strait of Hormuz along the Oman route. Of these, four later turned north and left the strait via the Iranian-side channel. There is no official explanation yet for the sudden course reversals by these vessels. However, Iran has repeatedly stated that ships can only cross the Strait of Hormuz via routes designated and authorized by Iran. According to Kpler data, a total of 19 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz in both directions on Saturday, but only one publicly indicated intention to enter the strait via the Oman coastal route, compared to 13 vessels along this route on Friday. The above statistics only cover observable sailing activities.