US President Donald Trump has criticized Iran for its handling of maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, accusing Tehran of impeding oil flow and cautioning against reported attempts to levy shipping fees, which he claims would breach existing agreements. Trump, in a post on Truth Social, labeled Iran’s behavior as “dishonorable” and asserted that tanker vessels were allegedly facing charges to navigate the vital waterway. He emphasized that if such actions were indeed occurring, they must cease immediately.
These remarks come amidst escalating disruptions in one of the world’s crucial energy passages, with data indicating a significant decrease in vessel traffic following Trump’s recent two-week ceasefire announcement. Prior to the conflict, approximately 130-140 ships transited the 34-km-wide Strait of Hormuz daily, the sole maritime link between the Gulf and the Indian Ocean. However, on Thursday, only a few tankers and bulk carriers passed through, totaling at least 12 vessels since the ceasefire, as per Kpler data.
Furthermore, ship-tracking information revealed a Botswana-flagged LNG tanker changing course after trying to exit the Persian Gulf, highlighting persistent uncertainties in the region. The slowdown has led to a backlog of ships within the Gulf, impacting global oil supply as production levels have significantly dwindled during the crisis. Reports have surfaced indicating Iran’s potential imposition of transit charges, a move disputed by international maritime bodies.
Despite the turmoil, some shipping companies are altering routing patterns to minimize risks, following directives from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to use specific corridors near its waters, such as those around Larak Island. Analysts caution that even with a potential traffic increase, clearing the current backlog could take weeks due to ongoing disruptions and security concerns in the area.
In a recent incident, the Indian-flagged Pine Gas LPG tanker navigated an unconventional route around Larak Island to exit the Gulf without paying Iran a toll or facing IRGC intervention. The International Maritime Organization has stated that unilateral tolls on international straits lack a legal framework, while maritime observers view Iran’s directive on vessel routes as a strategic move to assert control over transit through the strait.