Strait of Hormuz Traffic Rebounds After U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

Commercial vessel traffic in the Strait of Hormuz is gradually recovering following a conflict that began on February 28, 2026, with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran. After months of blockades by the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps and counter-blockades by the United States, a memorandum of understanding signed on June 14 and implemented June 18 established a fragile ceasefire and an interim 60-day period of toll-free transit.

Despite the agreement, tensions flared in late June when Iranian drones struck cargo ships using a U.S.-Oman southern corridor. The United States responded with strikes against Iranian surveillance and air defense infrastructure, while Iran launched missile attacks against Kuwait and Bahrain. These clashes temporarily stalled the recovery, though tanker traffic resumed on June 30 with 24 vessels transiting the chokepoint. Recent data shows a 54% weekly increase in traffic, although volume remains 70% below pre-war levels.

To facilitate the reopening, the United States waived sanctions on Iranian oil sales through August 21, allowing Iran to resume loadings from Kharg Island. Vice President JD Vance stated that oil flow has occasionally exceeded pre-war levels, contributing to a drop in Brent crude prices to approximately $73 a barrel. However, diplomatic friction persists. While President Donald Trump claimed Iran requested a meeting in Doha, both Iranian and Qatari officials denied that any high-level direct meetings are scheduled. Iran has also established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority to manage transit, a move the U.S. condemns as an illegal extortion attempt.