Observed commercial transits through the Strait of Hormuz have come to a near standstill, marking a sharp reversal after a brief surge in traffic on Saturday, as escalating regional tensions disrupt one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.

No new vessel crossings were recorded on Sunday, according to tracking data, after Iranian forces reportedly fired on multiple ships attempting passage and issued warnings against further crossings.

At least a dozen oil tankers and other commercial vessels turned back following the incidents, underscoring heightened risk in a waterway that normally channels about 20 per cent of global crude flows

Tehran moved once more to close the strategic waterway after Washington declined to ease its naval blockade on Iranian vessels, escalating a standoff that has disrupted maritime traffic.

The renewed restrictions came amid confusion in the shipping lanes, with several vessels attempting hurried departures following remarks by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, only for many to reverse course.

The disruption has effectively stranded millions of barrels of crude oil and significant volumes of liquefied natural gas within the Persian Gulf, heightening concerns over a prolonged supply squeeze that has unsettled global energy markets.

The UK Maritime Trade Operations said on Saturday that a tanker was approached by gunboats believed to be linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard off the coast of Oman before coming under fire.

In a separate incident, a container ship was struck by an unidentified projectile, while another commercial vessel reported a projectile splashdown nearby, according to the UKMTO’s subsequent advisory.

The incidents unfolded shortly after Iran announced it would permit vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of a ceasefire between Israel and Tehran’s Lebanon-based ally, Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump reiterated that the strait remained open to international shipping but maintained that a US Navy blockade targeting Iranian vessels would stay in place.

Tehran rejected the stance as unacceptable and subsequently declared the waterway closed once again.

In the narrow window before the renewed shutdown, four tankers, including one carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi and Qatari crude, successfully transited the chokepoint early Saturday.

Vessel-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg show that 18 commercial ships completed outbound passages during that period, while 10 vessels managed inbound crossings.