Tanker traffic disrupted in the Strait of Hormuz as vessels make U-turns, shift to Iran-designated routes

Jul 4, 2026

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz faces renewed disruption as at least eight vessels abruptly U-turned along the Omani coast, with several diverting to routes designated by Iran. While a mid-June US-Iran agreement sought to reopen the waterway, Tehran continues to assert control and warn against foreign military presence. In response, France and the UK are deploying naval assets and partnering with Oman to secure safe passage, highlighting deep geopolitical friction over the vital oil corridor.

Strait of Hormuz vessel disruptions

▪At least eight ships, including oil tankers, bulk carriers, and vehicle carriers, turned back between July 3 and July 4, 2026, while attempting to leave the Persian Gulf along the Omani coast.
▪On July 4, 2026, only one of 19 vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz openly signaled its inbound transit along the Omani coast, down from 13 on July 3, 2026.
▪Four of the vessels that turned back in the Strait of Hormuz subsequently sailed northward to take an outbound route designated by Iran.

Iran territorial control warnings

▪Vessels attempting to leave the Persian Gulf have reported radio warnings from Iranian forces stating they require permission from Tehran to cross the Strait of Hormuz.
▪Iran Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned that the Strait of Hormuz is not a theatre for transregional powers' military display and that security is the sole responsibility of Iran and Oman.

UK-France naval deployment response

▪French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of mine countermeasures assets to West Asia to help restore safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
▪The United Kingdom and France announced on July 3, 2026, that they stand ready to deploy a wider Multinational Military Mission to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

US-Iran conflict negotiations

▪One-fifth of the world's oil passed through the Strait of Hormuz before a war began in the region on February 28, 2026.
▪The United States and Iran reached a deal in mid-June 2026 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though Tehran continues to claim control over the corridor.

Oman cooperation security role

▪Between June 30 and July 1, 2026, 65 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz along the Omani side, with 59 of those vessels supported by the United States.
▪The Sultanate of Oman agreed to work with the United Kingdom and France to ensure its sovereign territorial waters are safe for navigation.