Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen sharply as renewed fighting between the United States and Iran disrupts one of the world's most important energy corridors.
Maritime tracking data showed commercial vessel movements through the waterway slowing significantly as shipping companies adopted a more cautious approach amid heightened security concerns.
The latest decline follows renewed military exchanges between Washington and Tehran, adding pressure to global energy markets already affected by prolonged supply disruptions.
According to Lloyd's List Intelligence, no large vessel using the US-coordinated route has broadcast its location since Tuesday, while traceable crossings through the Oman-hugging lane have "effectively grind[ed] to a halt."
The maritime data company said no vessels above 10,000 deadweight tons had crossed the Southern Highway with their automatic identification systems switched on since July 7, although at least two ships are believed to have crossed without transmitting their positions.
Windward reported that only five vessels crossed the strait on Wednesday, compared with 45 on Monday.
Before the conflict began in late February, roughly 130 vessels passed through the strategic waterway each day.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said traffic reflected the "cautious posture" of shipping companies operating in an "elevated threat environment."
Despite the disruption, Brent crude traded at about $76.58 per barrel on Friday, remaining largely unchanged from the previous session after several days of gains.
The slowdown came as Iran reported multiple explosions in the country's south following US strikes on dozens of Iranian targets earlier in the week.
A US official said American forces were not responsible for the latest explosions.
Earlier, Iranian officials said Tehran had targeted US military assets and other locations in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Iraq in retaliation for the US strikes, which Washington said followed multiple attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Analysts said the waterway has become a central point in the confrontation, with both countries increasingly focusing on military influence over the strategic passage rather than its commercial significance.
They warned that prolonged instability could encourage shipping companies to permanently shift cargo toward alternative routes and ports.