US-Iran tensions: Only 20+ ships move from Hormuz and Bab al-Mand
Tehran, 19 July. Shipping traffic along the main Gulf waterways of Bab al-Mandab and the Strait of Hormuz remained largely subdued earlier this week as progress in talks between the US and Iran remained unclear. Shipping statistics from Kepler showed that 20 vessels, including 12 tankers and 8 bulk carriers, passed through the Bab Al Mandab Strait on Monday, which was steady from the previous day. A total of 12 of these 20 crossing vessels had exits and 8 were inbounds. Most of which were ships with transponders on.
The prospect of any progress in talks between the US and Iran appears uncertain. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Ismail Baghai said on Monday that there are no talks with the US and no meeting has been scheduled. This information came after US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he had decided not to attack Iran again in view of ongoing talks aimed at ending the war and resolving disputes over control of the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Kepler data, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained sluggish with just six vessels, including three tankers and three bulk carriers, moving through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, compared with seven the previous day. Of these 6 ships, five entered and one left. All of them used Iranian waterways. Some ships may still be sailing with their transponders switched off, which are not included in this count.
Due to threats from Yemen's Houthi movement to target Saudi ships, the risk of attacks on ships on major waterways has led to caution in shipping activities. At the same time, some Saudi-flagged supertankers have changed their course in the Gulf of Aden and turned towards South Africa.
