Maritime tracking data indicates a significant reduction in shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for approximately one-fifth of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas. This disruption, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, has been further intensified by a US blockade implemented on Monday. US forces have stated that no vessels have successfully passed their blockade, with nine ships complying with directions to return to Iranian ports. While some sanctioned vessels have attempted passage, many have U-turned or halted near Iranian waters. Between March 1 and April 15, only 388 commodity carriers, including 255 oil and gas tankers, transited the strait, with just 16 crossing since the blockade's inception. This has resulted in over 55 very large crude carriers being stranded in the Gulf.