Mysterious Ship Movements in the Strait of Hormuz: US and Iran Trade Conflicting Signals

Amidst escalating regional tensions, contradictory claims from Washington and Tehran regarding control over the Strait of Hormuz have emerged as ship tracking data reveals a surge in vessels sailing with disabled transponders.

Uncertainty in Maritime Traffic

On Sunday, six ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz with their transponders deactivated, according to data from the tracking firm Kpler cited by Bloomberg. BBC reports, referencing the same source, indicate that a total of eight commercial vessels navigated the strait that day, with two of them keeping their tracking systems active.

Traffic data shows that 21 cargo ships passed through on Saturday and 14 on Friday. Since Sunday evening, Marine Traffic data indicates that no vessels broadcasting their location have traversed the strait.

The practice of “dark” transits began in April, notably as the United Arab Emirates started shipping oil without identification systems. This shift likely mitigated the oil shortages originally anticipated by market experts.

Contested Control and Geopolitical Standoff

Iran and the US issued conflicting statements over the weekend regarding access to the strait. US Central Command maintained that the Strait of Hormuz is a vital international waterway over which Iran does not hold control.

In contrast, the Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared the strait closed, citing alleged illegal actions by US forces in the region. Tehran stated that permits for passage would be issued only once stability and calm are restored.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) warns that even localized military strikes could disrupt maritime traffic, as transit viability depends heavily on the risk assessments made by ship captains, owners, and the shipping industry at large.

Tensions with Gulf Neighbors

The Iranian government views control over the strait as a fundamental matter of sovereignty and regime survival rather than a maritime legal issue. General Mohsen Rezaei, a military advisor to the Supreme Leader, described the strait as being more valuable than dozens of atomic bombs.

The ISW notes that recent Iranian attacks have targeted Qatar and Oman. The state-affiliated “Nour News” accused these nations of opening a “southern corridor” through the strait to bypass Iranian oversight, further accusing Oman of succumbing to US pressure.

Unable to secure diplomatic recognition of its authority over the waterway, Tehran is increasingly resorting to force to compel its neighbors to submit to its control, explicitly warning that regional states cannot prevent Iran from seizing the Strait of Hormuz.