Hormuz Tensions Escalate as Houthis Declare Naval Blockade
The Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile due to ongoing tensions between Iran and its Gulf State neighbors, as well as the US blockade on Iranian ports. Since the collapse of the June 17 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and the reinstatement of the blockade, Iran has targeted commercial shipping and Gulf States, while Tehran's Yemeni Houthi partners threaten to expand the maritime conflict in the Red Sea.
US forces have redirected 59 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 3 that didn't comply, and boarded 2 to ensure total compliance. The Houthis have declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabian ports, prompting some tankers to reroute in the Red Sea. This has led to a 40% drop in tanker transits through Bab el-Mandeb since the Houthis declared their blockade.
Since the start of the conflict, there have been 68 reported maritime incidents involving commercial vessels across the Persian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and Gulf of Oman. Two Singapore-flagged tankers were struck by Uncrewed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) while conducting outbound transits of the Strait of Hormuz on August 13. The US has facilitated over 900 transits of the Strait of Hormuz since the signing of the MoU.
Iranian oil-laden tankers have been departing the Gulf of Oman at an alarming rate, with UANI tracking 66 such vessels since the announcement of the MoU on June 14. These exports represent approximately 80 million barrels of Iranian oil, generating an estimated revenue of over $6 billion for the IRGC.