PNN – Statistics indicate that out of a total of 166 ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz, only two vessels utilized the US-backed route.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; the Wall Street Journal—by analyzing data on vessel traffic, transit routes, attacks, insurance costs, and the volume of oil removed from the market since the conflict began—presents a picture that stands in stark contrast to Donald Trump’s claim of “total” US control over the Strait of Hormuz. Key points from the report include the following:
1- Sharp Decline in Maritime Traffic
The Wall Street Journal reports that prior to the conflict, over 130 ships passed through Hormuz daily; however, on Tuesday, only 14 vessels transited the strait—meaning traffic has dropped to roughly one-tenth of its usual level. This is the most significant figure challenging Trump’s claim regarding U.S. control over Hormuz.
2- Ships Transiting via the Iranian-Managed Route
Of those 14 vessels, 11 opted for the route managed by Iran. Thus, even while the U.S. asserts control over the strait, the vast majority of ships that proceeded used the route administered by Iran.
3- Iran’s Sustained Control
In July, the average number of transits through the Strait of Hormuz was only 26 ships per day; even in June—when an agreement to reopen the strait had been reached—the average traffic was just 33 ships daily. Compared to pre-war statistics, these figures indicate that the disruption to traffic is not merely a temporary or sporadic issue; rather, Iran has succeeded in establishing a sustained state of control.
4- Disregard for the U.S.-Backed Route
The Wall Street Journal reports that out of 166 recorded transits in August, only two ships utilized the route along the coast of Oman that enjoys U.S. protection. This figure demonstrates that even the presence of the U.S. Navy has failed to persuade vessels to use the Washington-backed route.
5- Removal of 2.6 billion barrels of oil from global supply
The CEO of Aramco stated last week that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz since the outbreak of the war have resulted in the removal of over 2.6 billion barrels of oil from the global supply chain.
6- Forty-fold increase in insurance costs
War-risk insurance premiums for transiting the Strait of Hormuz—which stood at approximately 0.25% of a vessel’s value prior to the war—have now reached 10%, representing a forty-fold increase. For a large oil tanker, this hike can add between $3 million and $10 million to the cost of a single passage. These costs, combined with the risk of attack, are deterring shipping companies from using the strait.
7- Conclusion
Taken together, these figures paint a clear picture: maritime traffic has dropped from over 130 ships per day to 14; the average number of transits was just 26 in July and 33 in June; out of 166 transits in August, only two utilized the US-backed route; and insurance costs have surged from 0.25 percent to 10 percent. Alongside the removal of over 2.6 billion barrels of oil from the market, these figures demonstrate that control over the Strait of Hormuz lies with Iran, not the United States.