The Strait of Hormuz remained largely deserted with no new commercial ship crossings recorded despite US efforts to guide vessels through this critical waterway. The strategic chokepoint, through which one-fifth of global oil supplies pass, sits at the center of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.

The commercial vacuum comes as the United States attempts to maintain freedom of navigation in the region while Iran asserts its control over nearby waters. Energy markets face immediate disruption as the absence of tankers and cargo ships threatens supply chains for crude oil and refined products that serve markets across Asia and Europe.

The standoff reflects broader geopolitical competition in the Persian Gulf, with insurance rates already climbing for vessels navigating the area. Traders now face uncertainty over both immediate delivery timelines and long-term contract obligations as the maritime standoff shows no signs of de-escalation.