Iranian military authorities announced they have closed the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, to ship traffic. A written statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya headquarters stated that this decision was a response to the US 'reneging on its promises,' violating the terms of the agreement that ended the war, and continuously breaking the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
Passages Stopped Suddenly
Immediately after the announcement, maritime data monitored by Al Jazeera's open-source unit revealed that ship passages through the strait had stopped. According to the data, earlier today, before Iran's announcement, 18 ships had managed to cross the strait.
Among these ships were 8 oil tankers, 1 LNG tanker, 6 cargo ships, and 3 bulk carriers. However, no new passage has been recorded following the publication of Iran's official notification.
China-linked Ships Featured Prominently
In the traffic up until the last hours before passage stopped, ships linked to China were notably prominent. Of the 18 ships that passed, 4 belonged to companies headquartered in China, with two of them flying the Chinese flag.
Additionally, 3 oil tankers traveling from Thailand to the United Arab Emirates and operated by South Korea-based companies were among the ships that crossed the strait. The bulk carrier 'HMZ Island' traveling from Turkey's Tuzla port to Iraq's Umm Qasr port was also among those that passed.
Ship Changed Course
Data showed that a ship named 'Glory Tom' changed direction after reaching near the Strait of Hormuz. Although ownership records indicate a Chinese owner, this maneuver coincided with Iran's closure announcement, suggesting the ship abandoned entering the strait.
Other ships on routes approaching the strait were observed either stopping or changing direction.
Tension on the Third Day of the Agreement
This development occurred just three days after the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the US to end the war. In the days following the agreement, a partial and gradual increase in ship traffic through the strait had been observed.
On the political front, US President Donald Trump said that if no deal could be reached with Iran, the US would 'do things that will not please them.' It was also reported that American negotiator Steve Witkof would go to Switzerland, and an Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Kalibaf would travel to Switzerland.
The maritime traffic data proves that Iran's announcement had an immediate and concrete effect on activities in the strait. However, these data do not show whether the closure is being implemented through direct orders to ships or via military and maritime regulations in the region, or whether the situation is temporary or the start of a long-term closure.
