As a fragile two-week truce between the United States and Iran holds, Washington claims its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has been 'successfully implemented.' However, reports of ships passing through the key strait, which controls around 20% of the world's oil and gas supply, raise questions about the blockade's effectiveness.
US forces have halted Iran's economic trade with its blockade in the Hormuz strait, according to CENTCOM. However, maritime intelligence shows that at least two vessels transited through the strait on the first day of the Trump-ordered blockade.
Despite the US stating that its blockade is 'successful,' data from intelligence firm Kpler contradicts this, showing that around 20 commercial ships passed through the strait on Tuesday. Neutral vessels will be allowed to pass through the strait, especially those from non-Iranian ports.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for the world and especially for Iran, with exports from Hormuz amounting to around 80% of the country's total exports. Iran has still managed to export 1.84 million barrels per day of crude oil in March and has shipped 1.71 million bpd so far in April.
