#Gate广场四月发帖挑战

As of April 13, 2026 (current), the Strait of Hormuz is in a state of strict control by Iran with extremely low traffic flow and traffic throttling. It is not a complete physical blockade, but energy transport (oil tankers/LNG) has basically come to a standstill.
 

1. Core background (the spark)

- April 8: the US and Iran announced a two-week temporary ceasefire.
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- On the same day: Israel carried out airstrikes in Lebanon. Iran determined that the ceasefire was violated, then immediately strengthened control over the strait, saying that ships without permission would be attacked.
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- Iran laid water mines in the main navigation channel, forcing ships to take the designated narrow northern route.

2. Current navigation situation (April 8–12)

- Only 5–10 ships pass per day on average (normal is about 120–135 ships/day).
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- Oil tankers/LNG are almost zero—mainly bulk cargo and general cargo ships.
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- Rules:
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- Permission must be applied for in advance from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
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- Only ships from non-hostile, neutral/friendly countries are allowed.
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- Unapproved passage is prohibited; otherwise there is the risk of being sunk or striking mines.
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- Detention: about 400–800 ships (including several hundred oil tankers) are stuck in the Persian Gulf.

3. Impact on energy and the market

- About 20% of global oil trade passes through this corridor.
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- International oil prices surged to $115–120 per barrel.
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- Shipping companies rerouted via the Cape of Good Hope, with costs up 30% and the voyage length up by 10 days.
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- War-risk insurance premiums have skyrocketed, and major oil tanker companies do not dare to enter.

4. Positions of the parties

- Iran: using the strait as a bargaining chip, it demands compensation from the US and Israel and the recognition of its uranium enrichment rights.
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- US: pressuring Iran to open the strait, with no signs of military action.
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- China/India/EU: calling for the immediate full restoration of navigation and to safeguard energy security.

5. Short-term outlook

- From the ceasefire until April 22, control of the strait is the core of US-Iran negotiations.
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- In the short term, it is impossible to fully restore normal operations; it is likely that the limited-flow approval system will be maintained.