Shipping traffic steady in Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab as US-Iran talks remain uncertain

Shipping data indicates that vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab remained largely unchanged this week, as uncertainty continues to surround negotiations between the United States and Iran.

According to data from Kpler, 20 ships—including 12 oil tankers and eight bulk carriers—passed through Bab al-Mandab on Monday, with no change from the previous day.

Of the 20 vessels that transited the strait, there were a total of 12 outbound and eight inbound journeys, and most ships kept their transponders active.

Reuters reported, citing Kpler data, that traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained largely slow, with six ships—three oil tankers and three bulk carriers—passing through on Monday, down from seven the previous day.

According to Reuters, this included five vessels entering the strait and one departing, all following the shipping route designated by Iran.