Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz collapses after US attacks on Iran

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The trigger for the renewed flare-up of the conflict was attacks on ships near the Strait of Hormuz, which Washington attributes to Iran. Two of the three attacks on ships between Monday and Tuesday occurred close to the route. According to military sources, the US subsequently attacked more than 80 Iranian targets near the strait. Among other things, the US strikes hit air defense systems, coastal surveillance facilities, as well as missile and drone depots.

From Bahrain, it was said that the attacks had been repelled. According to Jordanian statements, the army intercepted eight projectiles. International observers view the dramatic decline in shipping traffic as an indication that merchant shipping continues to avoid the strait despite the framework agreement from June.

Economic Significance of the Strait

After the signing of the framework agreement for an end to the war in June, shipping traffic had picked up significantly, but volumes remained well below pre-war levels. With the latest escalation, this recovery trend has now been interrupted. Before the outbreak of the Iran war, about one-fifth of global oil supplies were transported through the Strait of Hormuz – any disruption of the route would have immediate consequences for global energy markets.

A joint investigation by European broadcasters, including Tagesschau, France 24 and ZDFheute, has evaluated more than 17 million comments on Instagram and Facebook. The analysis shows how intensely the discussion about the war is being conducted on social networks. This news was broadcast on 09.07.2026 on the Deutschlandfunk program.

Framework Agreement and New Risks

Iran had blocked the strait shortly after the beginning of the attacks by the US and Israel at the end of February. After the partial withdrawal of the direct blockade, traffic had only normalized gradually. The fact that almost two-thirds of ships are now absent within 24 hours signals, in the view of analysts, a renewed uncertainty among shipping companies.

Traffic figures are regarded by observers as a sensitive indicator of the region's stability. A sustained reduction would have immediate effects on the supply of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. At the same time, the risk of further incidents increases as more and more ships use unplanned diversion routes or sail without transponders.

Observers point out that the northern route through Iranian territorial waters remains politically and militarily delicate, as Iran de facto claims control rights there. The loss of unimpeded passage is likely to push freight rates higher in the coming days.