Following the US strikes on targets in Iran, maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has nearly ground to a halt. According to an analysis by Al Jazeera's open-source unit, ship transits in the region have been severely disrupted.
Ships Turn Off Tracking Devices
Maritime data showed that eight ships turned off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) devices yesterday while transiting the Oman route. These vessels later reactivated their signals in the Gulf of Oman. Among the ships that made the passage with their signals off were four oil tankers, one liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, and three bulk and general cargo ships. The vessels were operated by companies based in Indonesia, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates.
Tankers Turn Back
Two oil tankers, LILA VADINAR and PRESTIGE PRIDE, reversed course while sailing in Omani territorial waters before entering the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers, operated by companies based in Japan and the UAE, were said to be heading to Oman and the UAE.
Three LNG tankers owned by Qatar Energy — El Gariye, Duhail, and El Ruveys — which were sailing in the Indian Ocean, also changed course and pulled back. The empty tankers were said to be heading toward Qatar's Ras Laffan Port.
US Military Activity and Electronic Jamming
Simultaneously with these traffic disruptions, intense jamming of navigation signals was detected along Iran's transit lane in the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of the UAE. Additionally, at least 16 Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135R refueling aircraft, along with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol planes, were observed conducting hours-long circular flights over the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
US Strikes on Iran
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Wednesday morning that it had struck more than 80 targets in Iran with precision-guided munitions in retaliation for Iran's targeting of commercial vessels. The targets included air defense systems, command and control networks, coastal radars, anti-ship missile capabilities, and more than 60 small boats belonging to Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps stationed around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Response
A spokesman for Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that an American MQ-9 drone was shot down by air defense systems in the southern province of Bushehr. Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters, meanwhile, stressed that the US would not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz.
US Reimposes Oil Sanctions
Following the ship attacks, the US revoked the general license that allowed the sale of Iranian oil, reimposing restrictions on crude oil exports. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated that the memorandum of understanding signed three weeks ago had been violated by the US, strongly condemned the cancellation of the temporary suspension of oil sanctions, and held Washington responsible for the consequences.
Overall, since Wednesday morning, nine ships transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iran route and nine via the Oman route.
