How many ships have passed the Strait of Hormuz and how many were attacked?

Lead

The Strait of Hormuz, the world's most critical energy chokepoint, has seen a dramatic decline in shipping traffic since the outbreak of the US-Iran war, with recent data showing only a small fraction of the vessels that used to transit the waterway daily. While Iran has announced the strait is open to commercial traffic, shipping companies remain cautious and are seeking clarifications on safety, mine risks, and operational conditions.

Coverage comparison

Reports from Al Jazeera, Dawn, and the Jerusalem Post (carrying Reuters dispatches) converge on the key facts: shipping activity in the strait has plummeted, the US military has imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, and Iran has issued its own navigational directives. However, the sources differ in emphasis and tone. Al Jazeera's coverage is largely informational, focusing on ship tracking data and the mechanics of the blockade. Dawn's report adopts a more critical stance, quoting Gulf allies' frustrations and German political commentary. The Jerusalem Post's articles, based on Reuters reporting, are neutral and data-driven.

One notable discrepancy appears in the numbers: Al Jazeera reports that 279 ships have passed through the strait since the war began, and that 22 have been attacked. This figure has not been echoed by other outlets in the available material. It is unclear whether this is a cumulative total from the start of the conflict or pertains to a specific period. The Jerusalem Post reports that at least seven ships crossed in a 24-hour period, consistent with Dawn's report. These figures are not necessarily contradictory; they may reflect different time windows.

Key claims

US blockade and vessel diversions — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) began implementing a blockade of maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports on April 13, according to multiple sources. The military has redirected 37 vessels since the blockade was imposed, as reported by Reuters and carried by the Jerusalem Post. The blockade applies to "vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas," CENTCOM said, per Al Jazeera.

Sharp drop in transits — Ship-tracking data from Kpler and SynMax show only seven ships, mostly dry bulk vessels, crossed the strait in a single day, compared to a pre-war average of 140 daily passages, according to Dawn and Reuters. The vessels included ships departing from Iraqi ports and one dry bulk carrier from an Iranian port.

Iranian oil movements — Satellite analysis from TankerTrackers.com, cited by Reuters, indicates that six Iranian tankers returned to Iranian ports and sailed back through the strait in recent days, carrying some 10.5 million barrels of oil. Additionally, two tankers carrying about four million barrels of Iranian oil managed to bypass the US blockade on April 24, heading toward Asia. Analysts noted that US forces have been diverting Iran-linked ships as far east as the Malacca Strait, so the fate of those cargoes remains uncertain.

Iran's reopening announcement — Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday that the strait would remain open to all commercial vessels during a 10-day ceasefire accord in Lebanon, prompting a fall in oil and commodity prices. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that all commercial ships, including US vessels, can sail through, but their plans must be coordinated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Transit would be restricted to lanes Iran deems safe, and military vessels remain prohibited.

Shipping industry response — Shipping companies have cautiously welcomed Iran's announcement but demand clarifications. The Norwegian Shipowners' Association, representing 130 companies with some 1,500 vessels, said several issues must be resolved, including the presence of mines, Iranian conditions, and practical implementation. "If this represents a step towards an opening, it is a welcome development," said Knut Arild Hareide, CEO of the association. German shipping group Hapag-Lloyd said it was reviewing the situation and "probably we will pass soon," according to a spokesperson. Maersk and CMA CGM were not immediately available for comment.

International verification — Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), said the UN shipping agency is verifying Iran's announcement regarding the reopening of the strait, "in terms of its compliance with freedom of navigation for all merchant vessels and secure passage."

Mine threat — The US Navy has advised shipping companies to avoid the area due to the threat posed by mines, according to a single-source report. The presence of mines in the strait is a concern for shipping companies, as repeatedly cited in multiple reports. Iran has effectively shut the strait to most international shipping since the US-Israeli attacks on February 28, and Tehran has warned it could retaliate against neighboring Gulf ports.

Gulf and international reactions — The UAE has reportedly rebuked its Gulf allies for a "meek" political and military response to Tehran's strikes, according to Dawn. Germany's Friedrich Merz was quoted as saying the US is being "humiliated" by Iranian leadership. These statements were carried by Dawn and reflect broader regional and international frustration.

Perspectives

Al Jazeera's perspective — Focuses on the technical and operational aspects of the blockade and the alternative route through the strait, emphasizing the IRGC's control over navigation and the confusion caused by conflicting US and Iranian instructions.

Dawn's perspective — Highlights the geopolitical fallout, including Gulf allies' criticism of the US-led response and European political commentary. The tone is more critical, emphasizing the perceived weakness of Gulf states and the humiliation of the US.

Jerusalem Post (Reuters) perspective — Adopts a neutral, fact-based approach, relying on shipping data, military statements, and industry reactions. The emphasis is on the numbers: vessel diversions, oil cargoes, and the stark reduction in traffic.

Shipping industry perspective — Cautious optimism mixed with practical concerns. Companies welcome any move toward reopening but insist on clear safety assurances, especially regarding mines, before resuming transits.