Strait of Hormuz sees zero commercial ship traffic after violence
Updated
Updated · Bloomberg · May 5
Strait of Hormuz sees zero commercial ship traffic after violence
5 articles · Updated · Bloomberg · May 5
Tuesday brought no new crossings, despite a US effort to escort vessels; Maersk said Alliance Fairfax transited on Monday under US military protection.
The halt followed attacks on ships and missile strikes aimed at the United Arab Emirates during the previous day, leaving the vital waterway largely deserted.
The disruption underscores escalating US-Iran confrontation over control of the strait, a critical global energy and trade route vulnerable to further security shocks.
Why are no ships crossing Hormuz despite the massive US military escort operation, 'Project Freedom'?
With a quarter of global oil trade blocked, how long can the world economy withstand the Hormuz standoff?
As US and Iranian forces clash, could a secret 14-point peace plan be the only path to averting all-out war?
April–May 2026 Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Shipping Halt, U.S. Blockade, and Energy Market Turmoil
Overview
In response to the February 2026 killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Iran re-closed the Strait of Hormuz in late April, halting commercial shipping due to fears of attacks. This blockade disrupted about one-fifth of global seaborne oil and LNG, causing Brent crude prices to spike above $126 per barrel. The U.S. reacted by enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports and launching Project Freedom to protect shipping, enabling only two U.S.-flagged vessels to transit safely so far. The crisis has led to severe market disruptions, shipping suspensions, rerouted trade routes, and rising inflationary pressures, while diplomatic efforts remain stalled amid Iran's firm stance and ongoing military tensions.