US-Iran tensions revive uncertainty in Hormuz, some ships sail with signals turned off

Recent developments between the United States and Iran are increasing uncertainty in one of the world’s most vital maritime corridors, raising concerns about the consequences for the global economy.

Attention is once again focused on the Strait of Hormuz, after the United States continued bombing targets in Iran for two consecutive days, while Tehran responded with missile strikes against American bases in the Gulf region.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the head of Iran’s negotiators, said that “when you strike, you must also expect to be struck.” He also stressed that navigation in Hormuz will resume only “according to the rules set by Iran.”

Despite this, ships continued to pass through the Strait yesterday, although analysts in the maritime sector describe the situation as “highly unstable.”

Bridget Diakun, an analyst at Lloyd’s List Intelligence, said that some ships are moving “in the dark,” switching off their position transmission systems while passing through this strategic maritime route.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said maritime traffic is continuing at lower levels, using both the southern corridor near the coast of Oman and the northern route close to waters under Iranian control.

According to UKMTO, the current pace of navigation shows that shipping companies are acting cautiously, although transits carried out under the escort of US forces are reported to have continued without interruption this week.