The Strait of Hormuz is once again in the spotlight in 2026. This strategic route connecting the Persian Gulf with the Sea of Oman is one of the world's most important shipping lanes, handling approximately 20% of global oil trade every day.
The majority of oil exports from major producing countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must pass through this strait before being shipped to international markets.
Therefore, any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz can have an immediate impact on world oil prices, transportation costs and investor sentiment.
When this route is affected, global oil supplies could become more limited, increasing the risk of rising energy prices and the cost of living in many countries.
Throughout 2026, conflicts involving Iran, the United States (US) and Israel have caused the Strait of Hormuz to be closed and reopened several times.
February 28, 2026
The first closure began when Iran declared the route closed following US and Israeli attacks on targets in Iran. Following the announcement, shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz began to decline significantly as shipping companies and tanker operators took precautionary measures to avoid security risks.
March 2, 2026
The closure was officially confirmed by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), causing most tankers to stop traveling through the strait.
April 2026
Partial routes in the Strait of Hormuz reopened after diplomatic pressure and international negotiations to ease tensions in the region. The reopening provided some relief to global energy markets and the shipping industry.
However, operations are still limited due to ongoing security concerns, with ship traffic still not returning to normal levels.
April 22
However, tensions returned when Iran re-blocked the main route through the Strait of Hormuz for security reasons. This move affected ship movements and raised concerns about disruptions to oil supplies and the stability of global trade.
Early June 2026
The situation improved after Iran and the US reached a memorandum of understanding that opened the way for a reduction in tensions.
Subsequently, the Strait of Hormuz was gradually reopened, but the number of ships passing through the route remained low due to security concerns.
June 20, 2026
However, tensions returned when Iran announced a new closure after claiming that the terms of the ceasefire had been violated.
The move raised concerns again about shipping safety, world oil supplies and the stability of global energy markets.
June 21, 2026
The closure was later tightened with tighter controls on ship movements.
As a result, ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz declined significantly, raising concerns about disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.
June 22, 2026
Iran still claims that the Strait of Hormuz is closed. However, some commercial ships are still reported to be able to pass through the route.
