Dozens of ships head through Strait of Hormuz after US-Iran deal
BBC News 2026-06-23 14:55:31
Context: The Strait of Hormuz has seen a significant increase in ship traffic since the US and Iran signed a deal aimed at ending the war, with at least 172 vessels crossing through the strait since the agreement was reached on June 18. The deal has led to the lifting of the US naval blockade, allowing Iranian oil and petrochemicals to be sold, and has resulted in a decrease in the price of Brent crude oil. Despite this, concerns about sea mines and conflicting messages from Iranian officials have limited the number of transits.
Key Facts
- At least 172 vessels have crossed through the Strait of Hormuz since the US and Iran signed a deal on June 18, including 42 ships on Saturday alone, according to data from maritime intelligence firm Kpler.
- The number of vessels making the transit from June 18 is still well below the pre-conflict average of some 138 crossings each day, with ship-tracking data showing more than 200 tankers waiting inside the strait on Tuesday.
- At least 30 tankers have departed from the Gulf laden with Iranian oil and petrochemicals since the deal was agreed, with many of these tankers linked to Iran following the lifting of the US naval blockade.
- The US Treasury has eased decades-old sanctions by issuing a license to allow the sale of Iranian crude oil, petrochemicals, and other oil products until August 21, and has allowed tankers previously sanctioned by the US for links with Iran to move through the strait.
- More than 250 tankers and 440 cargo ships are still inside the Gulf, with over 80% of the tankers stationary or at anchor, and about one in six appearing to carry cargo, according to ship-tracking data.