Strait of Hormuz Remains Volatile as Iran Targets Shipping and Gulf States

The Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile as Iran has targeted commercial shipping and Gulf States. The US has reimposed a blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports, and US forces have redirected 64 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade.

Iran's Houthi partners in Yemen declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabian ports on July 20, which is causing some tankers to reroute in the Red Sea. The Houthis have also threatened to charge vessels crossing Bab el-Mandeb, with Chinese-flagged ships exempted under a separate understanding.

The US has facilitated over 1,010 transits of the Strait of Hormuz since the signing of the MoU, and UANI has tracked 67 tankers departing the Gulf of Oman laden with Iranian oil and petrochemicals. These exports represent approximately 80 million barrels of Iranian oil, generating an estimated revenue of over $6 billion for the IRGC.