Update: 08.07.2026
Latest developments across the region
Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has come under renewed pressure after three tankers were struck in the waterway within 24 hours. The US military launched an action against Iran following the incidents, raising regional tensions.
As a result, the Joint Maritime Information Centre increased its assessment for the Strait of Hormuz to “severe”, interrupting the gradual return of commercial movements that had followed the previous US-Iran ceasefire and shipping access arrangements.
According to the media, missile alerts were reported in Bahrain and Kuwait after the US retaliation against Iran.
The latest tanker incidents also highlighted the continuing disagreement over vessel routing through Hormuz. Many operators have preferred routes on the Oman side of the waterway, while Iran continues to promote its own approved transit route and argues that it should oversee vessel movements.
On the political side, reports highlighted that France and the United Kingdom are now working with Oman on a security initiative intended to support safe navigation in Omani waters.
Carrier updated response
The latest coverage shows that container carriers have significantly reduced the number of vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf following the partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
However, given the level of uncertainty, most carriers remain cautious concerning a return to the Strait.
Situation at impacted ports
No attacks on ports have been reported, and operations continue normally.
However, following US strikes on targets in Iran, Iran reported attacks against installations in Bahrain and Kuwait. Iranian statements indicated that 85 US military installations had been targeted.
Jeddah Port continues to face serious congestion as cargo volumes increase through the Gulf land bridge solutions. Delays across the port area have increased, and brokers have reported that container release processes can take up to eight weeks.
Vessel situation and risks
Prior to the escalation on 7 July, vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz showed an increase following the implementation of a 60-day US-Iran ceasefire.
According to data cited by the Financial Times, average daily transits had risen to eight per day on 1 July after remaining at only one or two during much of the conflict period.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence reported 258 transits during the week ending 28 June, including voyages that did not transmit GPS signals.
At the same time, approximately 80 mines still need to be cleared from Iran’s main shipping routes before the International Maritime Organisation considers the strait safe.
Seaexplorer data shows that approximately 80 containerships remain in the Gulf, 20 of which belong to or are operated by the top 5 container carriers. The total capacity stranded in the Gulf has also decreased to approximately 150,000 TEU.
Kuehne+Nagel continues to monitor the situation closely with timely updates on SeaNews and the Kuehne+Nagel page Middle East situation - Kuehne+Nagel operations.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
Original article: 02.07.2026
Latest developments across the region
Shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz has continued to recover, with Hormuz traffic reportedly surging as United States–Iran talks are set to resume.
However, industry sources indicate that a long-term solution remains elusive, and many operators are relying on temporary workarounds rather than a strategic return to normal operating patterns.
According to Lloyd’s List, Iran and Oman are considering plans to collect payment for ships transiting the Strait, despite US objections. Other news mentions that Oman opposed transit fees but supports charges related to specific services.
This update covers the news available so far as of 2 July 2026. Earlier updates are available here.
Carrier updated response
Container carriers continue to adopt a pragmatic approach. According to ShippingWatch, carriers are increasingly assessing individual voyages and customer requirements rather than implementing broad policy changes.
While confidence has improved compared with earlier stages of the crisis, operators continue to monitor the political and security situation closely before committing to a full return to pre-crisis routing patterns.
Meaningful improvement is still dependent on greater political clarity and sustained stability in the region.
Situation at impacted ports
Container ports across the Middle East continue to operate normally, with no reports of attacks or suspensions in recent weeks.
Vessel situation and risks
Commercial transits through the Strait continue to increase, but shipping remains exposed to political uncertainty.
Vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz continue to be divided between the northern transit corridor overseen by Iran’s PGSA and the southern route running along Oman’s coastline.
While the Omani corridor remains the preferred option for most operators, recent security incidents have led to a decline in traffic on this route. In contrast, movements using the Iranian-approved passage have remained relatively stable.
At the same time, some shipowners are adopting a more cautious approach, with some vessels delaying their transit and gathering in small groups on either side of the Strait before proceeding together.
At the time of writing this report, seaexplorer data shows that around 85 container vessels are still held in the region, with a capacity of around 180,000 TEU.
Kuehne+Nagel continues to monitor the situation closely with timely updates on SeaNews and the Kuehne+Nagel page Middle East situation - Kuehne+Nagel operations.
For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.
