Iranian military officials announced they have closed one of the world's most important maritime trade routes, the Strait of Hormuz, to ship traffic. A written statement from the 'Khatam al-Anbiya' headquarters stated that this decision is a response to the United States 'backing away from its promises', violating the provisions of the agreement that ended the war, and continuously breaking the ceasefire in southern Lebanon.
Crossings suddenly stopped
Immediately after the announcement, maritime data monitored by Al Jazeera's open-source unit revealed that ship crossings through the strait have halted. According to the data, earlier today, before Iran's announcement, 18 vessels had succeeded in crossing the strait.
Among these vessels were 8 oil tankers, 1 LNG tanker, 6 cargo ships, and 3 bulk carriers. However, following the publication of Iran's official notification, no new crossing has been recorded.
China-linked vessels stood out
Until the last hours before the crossing stopped, the traffic in the strait featured a notable presence of China-linked vessels. Among the 18 vessels that crossed, 4 belonged to companies based in China, two of which were flying the Chinese flag.
Additionally, three oil tankers traveling from Thailand to the United Arab Emirates and operated by South Korea-based companies were among the vessels that crossed the strait. The bulk carrier 'HMZ Island', heading from Turkey's Tuzla port to Iraq's Umm Qasr port, was also among those that crossed.
Ship changed its course
Data show that a vessel named 'Glory Tom' changed its direction after reaching near the Strait of Hormuz. While the vessel's ownership records point to a Chinese owner, this maneuver, coinciding with Iran's closure announcement, indicates that entry into the strait was abandoned.
Other vessels on routes approaching the strait were observed either stopping or changing direction.
Tension on the third day of the agreement
This development occurred just three days after the memorandum of understanding signed between Iran and the United States to end the war. In the days following the agreement, a partial and gradual increase in ship traffic through the strait had been observed.
In the political arena, US President Donald Trump said that if no agreement could be reached with Iran, the US would 'do things that will not please them'. Simultaneously, it was reported that American negotiator Steve Witkof will go to Switzerland, and an Iranian delegation headed by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf is traveling to Switzerland.
Maritime traffic data prove that Iran's announcement has had an immediate and concrete effect on activities in the strait. However, this data does not show whether the closure is being enforced through direct orders given to vessels or through military and maritime regulations in the region, nor whether the situation is temporary or the start of a long-term closure.
