U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said 67 ships [1] passed through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours.
The stability of this shipping lane is critical for global energy markets because the narrow waterway between Oman and Iran handles about 20% [2] of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas.
Wright provided the figures to illustrate that the lane remains open for commerce. He said the volume of traffic is similar to the levels seen before the war began in terms of oil and oil products [1]. The statement follows a video release showing vessels continuing to move through the strait.
These figures contrast with statements from regional actors. The Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy of Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is closed to all vessels [2].
Despite these conflicting reports, the movement of 67 ships [1] suggests that maritime traffic has not ceased. The strait remains a primary transit point for energy exports from the Persian Gulf to the rest of the world, a bottleneck that remains a focal point of regional tension.
Wright said the flow of energy products is maintaining a pace consistent with historical norms [1]. The U.S. government is using these metrics to counter narratives that the waterway has been effectively shut down by conflict.
“67 ships went through the Strait of Hormuz in the last 24 hours”
The discrepancy between U.S. shipping data and Iranian military claims highlights a tactical information war over the Strait of Hormuz. While Iran attempts to project control by declaring the waterway closed, the actual transit of 67 vessels indicates that global energy markets are continuing to function. This suggests that despite the threat of closure, the economic necessity of the route is currently outweighing the regional volatility.
