The Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit point, is witnessing a deepening divide between U.S. and Iranian interests as ship traffic resumes along separate lanes. While traffic remains significantly below pre-war levels, the U.S. military has carved out a new route near Oman’s coast, bypassing Iranian-controlled lanes. This development comes as tensions escalate following Iran’s threat to completely close the strait in response to Israeli actions in Lebanon.
Navigating the Divide
Since April, the U.S. Navy has conducted mine-clearing operations and guided approximately 70 commercial ships through the Persian Gulf via its newly established lane, sources report. These vessels, including a Greek supertanker carrying 2 million barrels of crude oil, have relied on U.S. Central Command for navigation while turning off their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) to avoid detection by Iran.
Central Command insists it is not escorting ships but providing advice and surveillance to ensure safe passage.
Iran, meanwhile, has tightened its grip on its own lane, charging tolls and launching attacks on unauthorized crossings. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) recently announced the passage of 15 ships, including four oil tankers, under its approval. Tehran has also sought to formalize its control by establishing the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, though the U.S. quickly sanctioned the entity and warned against cooperation.
Impact on Global Oil Markets
The jockeying for control of the strait has sent Brent crude prices surging 7% to $97.32 a barrel. Despite the resumption of limited traffic, the strait remains effectively closed to one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, with over 2,000 ships trapped in the Persian Gulf. Maritime data shows that nearly half of the vessels transiting the strait since March have used Iran’s route, while about 40% took undisclosed paths.
As both nations continue to test the fragile ceasefire, the U.S.-Iran divide in the Strait of Hormuz underscores the broader geopolitical tensions in the region, with significant implications for global energy markets and American economic interests.