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SHIP movements through the Strait of Hormuz remain severely constrained, with only a small number of vessels permitted to pass under Iranian authorisation, highlighting the continued disruption to global energy flows amid escalating regional conflict.
According to Anadolu Ajansi, citing Iranian media, 15 ships transited the waterway over the past 24 hours after securing clearance from Tehran.
The semi-official Fars News Agency reported that all vessels were required to obtain prior approval from Iranian authorities before entering the passage.
Despite this limited movement, overall traffic through the strait remains about 90 per cent below normal levels seen before the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February, underlining the scale of disruption.
The region has been on heightened alert since the joint offensive began on 28 February, which has reportedly resulted in more than 1,340 deaths in Iran, including Ali Khamenei.
In response, Iran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Jordan, Iraq and Gulf states hosting U.S. military assets, while also tightening restrictions on maritime transit through the strait.
Separately, Reuters reported that Iraq is seeking to maintain the stability of its oil exports amid the uncertainty.
The country’s state oil marketer, State Organization for Marketing of Oil (SOMO), has instructed customers to submit crude oil lifting schedules within 24 hours, according to a document dated 5 April.
"In light of the above, and to ensure the continuity and stability of crude oil export operations, we urge your esteemed company to submit its lifting schedules within 24 hours to enable the timely processing of your lifting programmes, including vessel nominations and the contractual volumes, in full alignment with the agreed terms and conditions," SOMO said.
The request follows reports that Iran has exempted Iraq from certain transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting efforts to prevent a complete halt to regional oil flows even as tensions remain high. - April 6, 2026
