The number of ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz has risen to the highest level since early March.

According to reports, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has risen to the highest level since the early days of the Middle East war’s outbreak, as more countries have reached security and transit agreements with Iran. Over the weekend, 21 ships passed through the waterway, representing the highest two-day total since transit volumes began to decline in early March. Although the number of ships currently transiting is still far below pre-war levels (about 135 ships), more countries have already obtained permission to transit. A senior crude oil analyst at Singapore’s Kpler said: “While Iran is responding to requests from its partner countries, it is also strengthening its control over Hormuz. Transits still depend on Iran’s willingness, and if the conflict escalates, the situation could change at any time.” As of now, most of the ships granted permission appear to follow the routes instructed by Tehran, sailing close to Iran’s coast. However, more ships are also starting to choose to travel along the route on the opposite side. (Sina Finance)