Strait of Hormuz Traffic Nearly Doubles as Iran Allows More Vessels — Possible Tactical Concession

Commercial shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz nearly doubled from previous conflict lows, suggesting Iran may be allowing more vessels to transit as a tactical concession to reduce economic pressure on itself and Gulf neighbors. Iraq is actively negotiating with Iran to allow Iraqi oil tankers through the strait. The US previously struck hardened Iranian missile sites near the Hormuz with deep penetrators to reduce IRGC capacity to threaten commercial shipping. Analysts caution the opening may be temporary and partial. Oil prices responded, with Brent falling to ~$100.90 and WTI to ~$92.47 — the first sustained decline since the conflict began.