On Thursday, June 18, 2026, a significant development occurred in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, where 25 commercial vessels successfully navigated through the narrow passage. This marked the highest number of ships passing through the strait in a single day since mid-April, according to data from AXSMarine, a maritime tracking platform. The previous record was set on April 18 when Iran temporarily relaxed its blockade. Before the conflict began, approximately 130 ships passed through the strait daily, transporting around 20 percent of the world's exported crude oil and natural gas from the Persian Gulf region.
The increase in maritime activity coincided with a period of heightened disruptions in Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals, which are used to track the movement of ships. AXSMarine noted that nearly 200 commercial vessels experienced spoofing or unusual behavior related to their AIS systems on Thursday. Despite these technical challenges, the successful passage of 25 ships signified a notable improvement in the situation following the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran signed on Wednesday.
The agreement aimed to end the ongoing conflict, which had been triggered by an American-Israeli attack on Iran earlier in February. As part of this agreement, discussions scheduled for Friday were postponed indefinitely, as both nations focused on negotiating terms regarding Iran’s nuclear program and other critical issues. The initial steps toward resolving the conflict have created a more stable environment for maritime operations, allowing for increased shipping activity despite lingering concerns about mine clearance and potential tolls.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital artery for global trade, particularly for the transportation of oil and gas. However, the main route through the strait is still closed due to the presence of mines, forcing ships to use alternative northern and southern routes that pass through Iranian and Omani waters respectively. According to Kpler, a data company that tracks maritime movements, at least 71 cargo ships passed through the strait from last Friday to Sunday, indicating a gradual return to normalcy.
Despite the progress made, there remain uncertainties and disputes between the United States and Iran regarding the status of the strait. On Saturday, Iran announced plans to close the strait again following attacks on Lebanon, while U.S. Vice President Vance denied such claims, stating there was no evidence that Iran intended to block the passage. Additionally, there is disagreement over the imposition of tolls, with former U.S. President Trump asserting that no one would impose tolls in the strait unless the United States did so. Meanwhile, Iran has established a new governmental body, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, which could require ships to seek permission before navigating through the strait.
The preliminary agreement includes provisions that prohibit Iran from imposing tolls on ships for the next 60 days. Furthermore, Iran is expected to work with Gulf states to ensure a safe and free passage for commercial vessels. Discussions on these matters have already begun, with Iran and Oman agreeing to keep the strait open for international shipping and continue negotiations on how to guarantee this access.
Experts warn that even if a definitive peace agreement is reached between the United States and Iran, it may take several months before global trade in oil, natural gas, fertilizers, and other raw materials returns to pre-war levels. If Iran proceeds with implementing tolls, it could further disrupt international trade. The current developments indicate a cautious optimism among stakeholders, but the path forward remains complex and fraught with challenges.
7 reports
Middle East EyeIndependentCenterFactual 95Objective 9014 days agoShip traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to remain significantly lower than it was before the US-Israeli war with Iran, according to data from analytics firm Kpler. Over the weekend, there were 71 confirmed vessel transits, with a high of 35 crossings on Saturday. This compares to daily averages of 100–130 vessels prior to the conflict. The main central shipping lane remains blocked due to mining, forcing ships to take alternative routes through either Iranian or Omani waters.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data on ship traffic without overtly favoring any political side. It describes the situation objectively, citing Kpler’s analytics and noting the impact of the ongoing conflict on maritime activity. There is no evident framing that leans toward one geopolitical actor or议
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 90): Very factual with precise data from Kpler and clear context about the current state of the strait. The article presents information objectively without taking sides or emphasizing any particular outcome.
NOS NieuwsState / PublicCenterFactual 90Objective 8513 days agoThe traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has increased in recent days following the declaration of intent between the United States and Iran to end the war. According to data from Kpler, at least 36 freighters passed through the strait yesterday, with a total of 71 ships passing through from last Friday to Sunday. However, hundreds of ships carrying an estimated 11,000 crew members are still waiting for a safe passage through the strait near Iran. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has contacted these ships to initiate an evacuation plan, but it remains unclear when this plan will be fully implemented. Due to their own safety, the ships must leave the area in phases, according to Omani authorities. Before the outbreak of war in the Middle East in late February, at least 100 ships passed through the strait daily, transporting around 20 million barrels of crude oil per day. This makes the strait a crucial passage for international oil trade. Last week, the US and Iran signed a declaration of intent to end the war, and negotiations have begun in Switzerland. The main route through the strait remains closed due to mines, forcing ships to use smaller northern and southern sea
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information about the increase in ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran agreement, along with conflicting reports from both countries regarding the closure of the strait and toll collection. It does not show clear bias toward either side, providing
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 85): Highly factual with specific figures from Kpler and references to IMO actions. The article provides clear context about the increase in ship traffic and the ongoing mine clearance efforts. It maintains a neutral tone but slightly emphasizes the positive impact on oil prices.
IOL (Independent Online)Party-alignedCenterFactual 85Objective 8015 days agoGlobal businesses are anticipating prolonged economic and trade disruptions due to ongoing instability in the Middle East, despite a recent tentative peace agreement between the United States and Iran. A survey by Oxford Economics indicates that companies expect continued challenges in shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which handles a large share of global oil and gas transportation. This uncertainty is linked to renewed conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, leading Iran to threaten closing the strait again. Although there is optimism about reduced global inflation and improved investor sentiment, businesses remain cautious, expecting slower global economic growth and higher interest rates in response to persistent geopolitical tensions.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a balanced view of the situation, citing expert opinions and survey data without overtly favoring any side. It discusses both the positive effects of the US-Iran agreement and the lingering concerns about regional instability, avoiding biased language or selective sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Relies on an external survey and provides context about ongoing concerns regarding the Middle East conflict. While factual, it leans towards expressing skepticism about the peace process, which affects neutrality.
Polsat NewsIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days agoOn Thursday, following the signing of a US-Iran agreement, 25 commercial ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from the maritime tracking platform AXSMarine. This is the highest number since mid-April. Before the war, around 130 vessels passed through the strait daily. The increase in traffic occurred during a period when AXSMarine observed the highest level of disruptions to Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals since the start of the conflict. Nearly 200 commercial ships experienced false location readings or unusual behavior from the AIS system on Thursday. Ag
Bias read (Center): The article reports on the movement of ships through the Strait of Hormuz and related technical issues with the AIS system without taking a clear stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Provides specific numbers about ship traffic and mentions the AIS signal issues. However, it lacks some contextual details and has a slightly celebratory tone about the increased traffic, which may introduce slight bias.
TVN24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days agoFollowing the preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran, 25 commercial ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, marking the highest daily volume since mid-April. This comes after Iran temporarily relaxed its blockade of the strait earlier in April. The increase in maritime traffic occurred amid reports of significant disruptions in Automatic Identification System (AIS) signals by AXSMarine, with over 200 vessels experiencing spoofing or unusual AIS behavior on Thursday. Minesweeping operations continue in the strait, and shipowners are advised to remain cautious.
Bias read (Center): The article provides factual information about maritime traffic and technical issues with AIS systems without taking a political stance or using biased language. It focuses on operational details rather than political implications.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): Provides specific numbers about ship traffic and mentions the AIS signal issues. However, it lacks some contextual details compared to other sources. The tone is somewhat celebratory about the increased traffic, which may introduce slight bias.
OslobođenjeIndependentCenterFactual 80Objective 7513 days agoIran has reopened parts of its airspace for civilian aviation, allowing flights over both the western and eastern sections of its territory around the clock, according to Iranian state television citing government authorities. All airports across the country are operating under conditions outlined in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). Additionally, the Kish and Asaluyeh airports in southern Iran are functioning from sunrise to sunset. Meanwhile, commercial ship traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has recovered to over 20% of pre-conflict levels within five days after the United States and Iran signed a 14-point memorandum to reopen this critical maritime route. Prior to the conflict, approximately 130 commercial vessels passed through the strait daily, but during the 100-day conflict, this number dropped to an average of just 10 ships per day—a decline of nearly 95%. In the five days following the agreement, 144 vessels passed through the strait, with an average of nearly 29 ships per day. Over 13 million barrels of Iranian crude oil have moved through the strait in recent days heading toward international buyers, alongside a notable increase in tanker trans
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual updates on Iran's reopening of airspace and the recovery of shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following a diplomatic agreement between the US and Iran. It provides data on oil shipments and vessel counts without overtly favoring any side, using neutral terms.
Why these scores (Factual 80 · Objective 75): Includes specific data about air space reopening and ship traffic recovery. However, it makes some generalizations about the overall situation and uses emotionally charged terms like 'strategic' and 'critical,' which may affect objectivity.
Gulf NewsParty-aligned🔒CenterFactual 70Objective 7014 days agoThe article reports that ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed due to increasing uncertainty in the region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global shipping route, with approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passing through it annually. Recent tensions in the area have raised concerns about potential disruptions to maritime trade. The slowdown in traffic highlights the vulnerability of global energy supplies to geopolitical instability in the region.
Bias read (Center): The article presents a factual report on the slowing of ship traffic in the Strait of Hormuz without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It focuses on the impact of regional uncertainty on global shipping without attributing blame or favoring any particular side.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 70): Lacks specific details and context about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz. The title suggests a slowdown in traffic, but the content does not provide enough evidence to support this claim, affecting both factual accuracy and objectivity.
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