Ships Avoid Hormuz as Iran Raises Threats, Conflict Spreads

Oil and gas shipping remains largely paused in the Strait of Hormuz that links the oil-rich Persian Gulf to the open seas, as a regional conflict escalates and Iran cranks up threats to vessels transiting through the chokepoint.

On Sunday, a trickle of vessels were moving out of the waterway, which is crucial for the flow of oil and gas, according to ship-tracking data, even if none appeared to be entering. A small oil tanker, which appears to be sanctioned by the US for helping Iran export fuels, was targeted off Oman’s northern coast, though it was unclear who was behind the attack.