Tanker crossings through the Strait of Hormuz fell to their lowest level in two months on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported, amid reports of US strikes on Iran and of Houthi forces allowing Chinese ships to pass. Details of the strikes and the Houthi decision were not specified in the available reporting.
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Key facts
- Tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz fell to their lowest levels in two months on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.
- Al Jazeera reported the decline came amid US attacks on Iran; the scale and timing were not detailed in the available reporting.
- Al Jazeera reported that Houthi forces are allowing Chinese ships to pass.
- The developments were reported by Al Jazeera on 24 July 2026.
Tanker crossings through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to their lowest levels in two months on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera. The strait is one of the world’s most important routes for the movement of oil and maritime traffic.
Al Jazeera reported that the decline coincided with US attacks on Iran. The scale, timing and nature of those attacks were not specified in the available reporting.
Al Jazeera also reported that Houthi forces are allowing Chinese ships to pass through the affected waters, distinguishing those vessels from others navigating the area. The basis for that decision was not detailed in the reporting available.
It was not independently confirmed how far the reduced traffic reflected decisions by shipping operators, and further details on the developments had not been released at the time of Al Jazeera’s report on 24 July 2026.
Why it matters
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies, so any sustained disruption to tanker traffic can affect energy markets worldwide. A drop in crossings amid reported US strikes on Iran and shifting Houthi policies illustrates how regional tensions can influence the movement of goods, though the full picture remains unclear.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday?
According to Al Jazeera, the number of tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz dropped to its lowest levels in two months on Thursday.
Which ships are the Houthis allowing to pass?
Al Jazeera reported that Houthi forces are allowing Chinese ships to pass.
When was this reported?
Al Jazeera published its update on the situation on July 24, 2026.
Timeline
- US attacks Iran as Houthis allow Chinese ships to pass: What’s the latest?
Al Jazeera: The number of tanker crossings in the Strait of Hormuz dropped to lowest levels in two months on Thursday.