WASHINGTON/DUBAI: Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply after two vessels were attacked while transiting the strategic waterway, as the United States warned it could sustain its naval blockade of Iran indefinitely and impose further economic pressure on Tehran.
Two ships belonging to the United Arab Emirates’ state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked on Thursday evening, according to UAE state media. Abu Dhabi blamed Iran for the incidents, while Tehran has yet to publicly respond to the accusation.
The latest attacks have further disrupted one of the world’s most important energy routes. Only nine vessels crossed the strait on Thursday, compared with five a day earlier and an August average of around 12, according to shipping data from Kpler. No visible crossings were recorded early Friday.
Before the current conflict, more than 130 vessels passed through the waterway each day, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.
Iranian officials have maintained that the strait will remain restricted until their demands, including the removal of economic sanctions and the release of frozen Iranian assets, are addressed.
A senior Iranian source said there had been no meaningful progress in negotiations aimed at extending the June agreement to end the conflict. With the ceasefire now broken down, Tehran has resumed targeting vessels it considers to be attempting unauthorized passage.
US vows sustained blockade
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Washington was capable of maintaining its naval blockade for an indefinite period by rotating military vessels in and out of the region.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent separately warned that Washington would announce additional measures designed to intensify economic pressure on Iran.
The renewed pressure comes as US President Donald Trump faces growing domestic concerns over the economic impact of the conflict, particularly elevated fuel prices.
Brent crude was trading around $87 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate stood near $81 as markets assessed the risks to global energy supplies.
Iran’s parliament has also advanced a plan governing access to the Strait of Hormuz, including restrictions on vessels and equipment belonging to the United States, Israel and other countries Tehran considers hostile.
The United States had temporarily lifted restrictions on Iranian shipping and ports in June but later reinstated the blockade, further limiting Tehran’s access to foreign currency.
Meanwhile, reports of drone attacks targeting Saudi energy infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthis have added to fears that the conflict could spread further across the region.
Economists have warned that prolonged disruption in the Gulf could weigh heavily on global growth, disrupt energy markets and increase the risk of recession in vulnerable economies.
