Hormuz Strait Tensions Escalate as Houthis Blockade Bab el-Mandeb

The Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile due to ongoing tensions between Iran and its adversaries. Following the collapse of the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the reinstatement of a U.S. blockade, Iran has targeted commercial shipping and Gulf States. Tehran's Yemeni Houthi partners threaten to expand the maritime conflict in the Red Sea.

According to recent data, the number of tanker transits through Bab el-Mandeb has dropped by approximately 40% since the Houthis declared their naval blockade on July 20. The Houthis have also threatened to attack Saudi oil tankers in the northern Red Sea after vessels re-routed to avoid the strait.

UANI has tracked at least 35 Iranian oil and petrochemical loadings since the signing of the MoU, including 13 that originated from Kharg Island, Iran. The Joint Maritime Information Center (JMIC) reported an increase in open transits through the Strait of Hormuz after the signing of the MoU, with a total of 751 vessels transiting the strait as of August 3.

Iran-flagged tankers have also been observed operating in Southeast Asia's sea lanes. At least 50 Iranian flagged cargo ships are currently anchored or loitering near the EOPL area with their AIS signals active, demonstrating that Ghost Fleet tankers continue to operate with impunity across the region.