Iran grants permission for Iraqi oil tankers to pass through Strait of Hormuz, state news agency says

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz this week was only 20% of the pre-war average, according to a CNN analysis of data from the UK Maritime Trade Operations center. Three hundred and ninety-two ships crossed the waterway, 27% more than the previous week, but still a far cry from the seven-day pre-war average of 1,500 vessels. The strait remains a key battleground in the ongoing Iran conflict.

Most vessels sailing through were registered in Panama (seven) and Liberia (six), with none originating from the United States. The majority of traffic consisted of product tankers, which carry refined petroleum goods. The US Navy appears to be making progress in the strait, while Iran's control has significantly diminished. Over the past two weeks, more than 80% of liquids passing through the strait did so via the Omani route, a UN-authorized shipping channel that Iran vehemently opposes.

Earlier this week, the US Navy facilitated the transportation of more than 15 million barrels of oil and products through the strait, with an additional five million barrels moving via pipelines. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on X on Saturday, "Make no mistake, thanks to the U.S. Navy, oil is flowing through the Strait of Hormuz."