The situation in the Persian Gulf has reached a critical point: last Sunday, global vessel monitoring services recorded a complete halt to civilian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. For the first time in a long time, not a single large-capacity tanker transited this strategically important artery, through which a significant portion of global hydrocarbon exports passes. Navigation charts show empty corridors in the zone, traditionally considered one of the busiest in the world. This lull is the result of harsh actions by Iran, which has effectively established complete control over the passage by force, forcing international companies to reconsider their routes or abandon voyages in this direction altogether.

The only incident recorded during the day was the forced reversal of two vessels attempting to leave the gulf. These were tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas and subject to international sanctions. Despite attempting to reach open sea, they were intercepted by Iranian forces and, under threat of force, forced back into the gulf. Following this incident, other commercial vessels made no attempt to transit the strait, fearing detention or attack. Experts note that Tehran's tactics are aimed at demonstrating its absolute dominance in the region and its ability to disrupt global fuel supplies at any time.