Up to 2,000 commercial vessels sit stranded in and around the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s restrictions on shipping during the war bring one of the world’s most critical trade corridors to a near standstill.

Tracking data shows only 11 ships passed through the strait in the most recent 24-hour period, compared to a pre-war average of 130 to 140 vessels per day. Estimates of vessels affected range from approximately 1,000 ships idling at ports and anchorages to as many as 2,000 commercial ships immobilised across the broader Gulf region, depending on the tracking method used.

Among the vessels caught in the disruption, 20 to 22 Indian ships remain stranded in the Gulf, prompting concern from New Delhi as coordination with authorities continues. Ships that have not anchored outside the strait have either waited for clearance or rerouted entirely, adding days and costs to journeys that would normally pass through the waterway without disruption.

The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20 percent of the world’s oil supply under normal conditions. Iran moved to restrict passage after the conflict with the United States and Israel escalated in late February 2026, effectively cutting off a major share of global energy flows at the source. The disruption feeds directly into the surge in Brent crude prices, which now trade above $115 per barrel on course for one of the largest monthly gains on record.

Shipping companies have begun rerouting vessels around the Cape of Good Hope, adding significant time and fuel costs to each journey. Analysts warn the backlog will take weeks to clear even if passage through the strait resumes.

For more news and update, click here to download our mobile app – Veritas Daily

To explore advertising or sponsorship collaborations, click here to contact us