SHIPPING traffic through the Strait of Hormuz fell sharply after Iran reimposed its closure of the waterway, vessel-tracking data taken on Monday (April 20) showed, as concerns grew that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran might not hold.
On Friday (April 17) at 1245 GMT, Iran's foreign minister posted on X that passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was declared completely open for the remaining period of ceasefire, in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon. More than 20 vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday (April 18), shipping data from MarineTraffic showed — the highest number since March 1.
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However, Iran subsequently reimposed its blockade on marine traffic passing through the waterway, and vessel movements through the strait dropped off sharply by Monday, the data showed.
Efforts to build a more lasting peace in the region likewise appeared to be on shaky ground, as Iran said it would not participate in a second round of negotiations that the U.S. had hoped to kick off before the ceasefire expires on Tuesday (April 21).
