STRAIT OF HORMUZ: A total of 99 ships have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz this month, according to an analysis from BBC Verify. Despite the ongoing conflict in the region, which commenced with the Iran war on February 28, the strait remains one of the world's most crucial shipping lanes. However, daily traffic has plummeted by roughly 95% compared to pre-war levels, where more than 138 vessels typically crossed daily, transporting around one-fifth of the globe's oil supply.

The shipping data highlights that approximately one-third of the recent crossings were made by vessels linked to Iran, including 14 operating under the Iranian flag and several others under sanctions due to connections to Tehran's oil trading activities. Interestingly, nine of the ships were owned by companies associated with China, while six had destinations listed in India. The findings also indicate that some non-Iranian ships have been docking at Iranian ports, including those owned by Greek interests.

Experts, including Bradley Martin from the RAND Corporation, speculate that ships are adapting their routes to avoid potential Iranian aggression. For instance, a tracked Pakistan-flagged oil tanker took an unorthodox path near the Iranian coast on March 15, likely to respond to directives from Iranian authorities. Analysts like Michelle Wiese Bockmann from Windward Maritime Analytics suggest that such diversions indicate an Iranian strategy to control maritime traffic through fear of attack and potential mine presence.

Meanwhile, the dangers are evident; the ongoing conflict has seen at least 20 commercial vessels attacked off the Iranian coast, with the most notable incident involving the Thai-flagged bulk carrier Mayuree Naree, which was struck by projectiles while navigating the strait on March 11. It reinforces the understanding that while shipping continues, it does so under a veil of risk and shifting maritime regulations imposed by Iran.