Iran claims control, ships choose Omani route: What's changing in Strait of Hormuz
Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is shifting toward an Omani route as tensions between Iran and the US persist. Despite Iran's claims of control, data shows most vessels are opting for US-protected paths, preventing Iran from successfully collecting tolls.
Why it matters
The shift in shipping routes highlights the ongoing geopolitical struggle for control over a critical global oil transit chokepoint.
The battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a key focus of the Iran war, with both Iran and the United States claiming the upper hand in recent months. The competing claims have created uncertainty over the extent of control exercised by either side over the critical waterway.However, shipping data indicates that the United States is gaining ground as its navy patrols the strait, while Iran appears to be losing control over parts of the waterway.More than 80% of vessel that have transited through the Strait of Hormuz over the past two weeks have used the Omani route, a UN-authorised shipping channel opposed by Iran, according to Kpler, which tracks vessels using transponders and satellite data cited by CNN.Shipping traffic slows amid uncertaintyShipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz slowed on Tuesday, with preliminary data showing most shipowners continued to avoid the key waterway amid a…
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