Iranian military officials 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 this decision is 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.
Crossings Suddenly Stopped
Immediately after the announcement, maritime data monitored by Al Jazeera's open-source unit revealed that ship crossings through the strait had ceased. According to the data, earlier today, before Iran's announcement, 18 ships had managed to pass through the strait.
Among these ships were 8 oil tankers, 1 LNG tanker, 6 cargo ships, and 3 bulk carriers. However, following the publication of Iran's official notification, no new crossing has been recorded.
China-Linked Ships Prominent
Until the last hours before the crossings stopped, the traffic in the strait was notable for the prominence of China-linked ships. Of the 18 ships that passed, 4 were owned by China-based companies, two of which were 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
The data shows a ship named 'Glory Tom' changed its direction after reaching the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz. While the ship's ownership records point to a Chinese owner, this maneuver, coinciding with Iran's closure announcement, indicates it abandoned entering the strait.
Ships on other routes approaching the strait were also observed either stopping or changing direction.
Tension on the Third Day of the Agreement
This development occurred just three days after the signing of a memorandum of understanding 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.
In the political arena, US President Donald Trump said that if no deal is reached with Iran, the US will 'do things that will not make them happy.' At the same time, it was reported that American negotiator Steve Witkof will go to Switzerland, and an Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is traveling to Switzerland.
The maritime traffic data proves Iran's announcement had an immediate and concrete effect on activities in the strait. However, this data does not show whether the closure is being enforced by direct orders to ships or through military and maritime regulations in the area, or whether the situation is temporary or the start of a prolonged closure.
