TORONTO: Shipping monitor Kpler reported that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has declined sharply over the past 72 hours, with only four vessels entering or exiting the waterway on Thursday.
“Four vessels entered the Middle East Gulf, and one exited, using a mix of Iranian, Omani and negotiated routes,” the monitor said.
Kpler added that the figure remains preliminary, as additional “dark” crossings could be identified retrospectively and added as further confirmation data becomes available.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway connecting the Arabian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and gas supplies. Any disruption to shipping through the strait can affect global energy prices and international trade.
Hormuz crossings fall by half
Strait of Hormuz traffic declined sharply on 31 August, with five confirmed crossings, down 50% from 10 a day earlier. Four vessels entered the Middle East Gulf and one exited, using a mix of Iranian, Omani and negotiated routes. Two crossings… pic.twitter.com/8D4rxHW2hk
— Kpler (@Kpler) September 4, 2026
Meanwhile, the Bab al-Mandeb Strait recorded 35 confirmed crossings during the same period, an increase of 2.9 per cent day on day.
87 commercial vessels redirected by US naval blockade
Meanwhile, US Central Command (Centcom) has said that as part of Washington’s naval blockade of Iran, American forces have redirected 87 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two others.
US President Donald Trump announced on April 13 that the US Navy would begin blocking ships trying to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz, after peace talks with Iran failed to produce a deal.
A U.S. Sailor stands watch aboard USS John Paul Jones (DDG 53) as the guided-missile destroyer continues to support the U.S. blockade against Iran in regional waters. As of Sept. 3, CENTCOM forces have redirected 87 commercial vessels, disabled 3 and boarded 2 to ensure total… pic.twitter.com/o46xfhwmJw
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) September 3, 2026
The US forces lifted the blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas on June 18. The move came one day after the US signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran.
On July 14, the US military announced the resumption of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
South Korea reviews military options for Hormuz
South Korea is reviewing options, including possible military measures, to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, the presidential office said on Friday, while rejecting media reports that the government had already decided to deploy forces.
Several South Korean media outlets, including JTBC and MBC, reported late on Thursday that Seoul was preparing to deploy military assets before the end of the year and could seek parliamentary approval this month.
A presidential official told reporters that South Korea had been discussing practical ways to contribute to freedom of navigation in the strait, confirming that military measures were among the options being considered.
“Nothing has been decided,” the official said, adding that Seoul would also need to consider domestic legal procedures, military readiness on the Korean Peninsula and parliamentary approval.
The official also rejected claims that South Korea had provided no assistance related to the Strait of Hormuz, saying Seoul had been discussing practical contributions with the international community for some time.
Trump suggests renaming Strait of Hormuz
President Donald Trump on Wednesday suggested renaming the Strait of Hormuz as the “Trump Strait”, claiming that the strategically important waterway was now under US control amid escalating tensions with Iran.
ALSO READ: Trump Suggests Renaming Strait of Hormuz as ‘Trump Strait’
“Now that we have it under USA control, should we change the name Hormuz Strait to Trump Strait??? Like America itself, it would be ‘hotter’ than ever before!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social network.
