According to Al Jazeera's open source unit analysis, maritime traffic in the region was severely disrupted after attacks on three commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday.
Ships Turn Off Tracking Devices
Maritime data showed that eight ships turned off their automatic identification system (AIS) devices while transiting the Oman route yesterday, with their signals later reappearing in the Gulf of Oman. Four of these vessels were oil tankers, one was a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier, and three were bulk and general cargo ships.
According to records, the ships are operated by companies based in Indonesia, India, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates. From Wednesday morning until noon, only one cargo ship, the "MSV NAFEA," openly transited the Oman route.
Oil Tankers Turn Back from Route
Two oil tankers, LILA VADINAR and PRESTIGE PRIDE, also changed course and turned back while sailing in Omani territorial waters before entering the Strait of Hormuz. The tankers, operated by companies based in Japan and the UAE, were reportedly heading to Oman and the UAE.
Meanwhile, three LNG tankers owned by Qatar Energy—El Gariye, Duhail, and El Ruveys—which were sailing in the Indian Ocean, also changed course and withdrew after Tuesday's attacks. The tankers were empty and were heading toward Qatar's Ras Laffan Port.
US Military Buildup and Electronic Jamming
Simultaneously with the disruption in maritime traffic, intense jamming of navigation signals was detected in the Iranian transit lane of the Strait of Hormuz and off the coast of the UAE. On Tuesday, at least 16 Boeing KC-46 Pegasus and KC-135R refueling aircraft, along with P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, were observed conducting hours-long circular flights over the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
US Attack 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 Guards stationed around the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's Response
The spokesperson for Iran's Revolutionary Guards announced that an American MQ-9 drone was shot down by air defense systems in the southern province of Bushehr. Additionally, Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya military headquarters stressed that the US would not be allowed to interfere in the affairs of the Strait of Hormuz.
Oil Sanctions Return
Following the ship attacks, the US revoked the general license allowing the sale of Iranian oil and reimposed 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, as of Wednesday morning, nine ships transited the Strait of Hormuz via the Iranian route, and nine via the Omani route.
