Matthew Wright warns of worsening maritime threats as Iran and the US navigate diplomatic confusion over the Strait of Hormuz.
Matthew Wright, an analyst at ship-tracking firm Kpler, reports that oil-carrying ships face the worst maritime threats since the start of the Iran war. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical bottleneck for global trade, has seen traffic drop from over 100 ships per day to as few as six to eleven vessels. While President Trump stated that negotiations with Iran are currently underway to reopen the strait, the Iranian Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, denied that formal negotiations with America are taking place, noting that Iran is instead speaking with Oman. This diplomatic discrepancy has contributed to market uncertainty, causing Brent crude prices to fluctuate. To avoid detection by hostile forces, many vessels are now 'going dark' by turning off their transponders. Additionally, a recent spate of attacks by Yemen's Houthi militia on the Red Sea has further complicated the situation, forcing many ships to seek alternative routes. Experts suggest that while a deal with Oman could be productive, a final agreement to fully reopen the strait will likely require the involvement of the US and significant concessions from both sides.