Nearly 90 ships, including 16 oil tankers, navigated the Strait of Hormuz between March 1-15 following the late-February escalation of the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, according to Lloyd’s List Intelligence data cited by AP. This marks a sharp decline from the pre-conflict average of 100-135 daily crossings. Over one-fifth of the vessels were Iran-affiliated, with Chinese and Greek ships also present.

Analysts suggest Iran has effectively established a “safe corridor” near its coast, facilitating its own oil exports—exceeding 16 million barrels since March—while selectively restricting other traffic. Iranian officials confirm they have granted passage to vessels from several nations, asserting their right to secure the waterway. Despite earlier threats from Iran’s IRGC to close the strategic chokepoint, through which 20% of global oil passes, traffic continues under Tehran’s oversight, demonstrating a calibrated approach of maintaining exports while controlling access for non-Iranian ships

janus