US Resumes Strikes Against Iran, Commercial Ships Avoid Hormuz Strait

On May 28, Thursday, shipping traffic in the Hormuz Strait appeared nearly empty, as commercial shipping companies remained highly vigilant due to concerns over escalating military conflicts. On Thursday morning, following the second round of strikes by the US against Iranian military targets this week, the situation suddenly intensified, and no commercial vessels were seen transiting the area. Prior to this, shipping conditions on Wednesday were already sluggish; according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, only six ships transited in both directions that day, including a Turkish Suez-class oil tanker entering the Persian Gulf to load cargo. Iran claimed that several vessels attempted to enter the Persian Gulf without permission last night, with some turning back and two being intercepted. This claim has yet to be verified, as severe signal interference and navigation system failures have made it difficult for outsiders to accurately gauge actual shipping dynamics. Tehran also stated that 26 vessels had crossed the strait in the past 24 hours, a figure that may include some smaller coastal vessels.