Hormuz traffic drops after Middle East attacks intensify

Shipping traffic at the Strait of Hormuz has decreased amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. According to preliminary data from Kpler, commodity vessel transits at the waterway totalled four on Monday, down from ten the previous day.

The figures exclude vessels that may have crossed the strait with tracking transponders switched off to avoid detection, according to Free Malaysia Today. Two dry bulk carriers exited the waterway, including one laden and one ballast vessel, while two oil tankers entered the strait, both in ballast mode.

Saudi Arabia warned it will react "firmly" to Yemen's Houthis after a series of attacks using ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in the country's south, Gulf News and France 24 reported. The US Defence Department's inspector general revealed that the US is facing an ammunition shortfall as a result of its costly war in Iran, with estimated costs of $33.4 billion between February 28 and June 30, including $22.3 billion on expended munitions alone, according to Gulf News.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, Gulf News, Free Malaysia Today, France 24, New Straits Times — 5 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.