Why shadow tankers are the only ships still moving through the Strait of Hormuz

Despite Iranian threats to destroy any ships that pass through a key maritime route, some ships are still doing so.

By: Charles Edward Gehrke, US Naval War College, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: March 10, 2026

Words: 1,340

Last Updated: 4 months, 4 weeks ago

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By Charles Edward Gehrke, US Naval War College

The Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed. Since the beginning of the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran on Feb. 28, 2026, oil tanker traffic through the world’s most critical oil shipping choke point has collapsed, dropping by more than 90%.

Iran has threatened to destroy any ships, including oil tankers, that pass through the strait from the oil depots of the Persian …

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