Russia

Strait of Hormuz traffic falls five times since start of war — WSJ

TASS English · 2026-08-12

AI SUMMARY

• What happened: Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has decreased significantly, with daily vessel crossings in July dropping to an average of 26, compared to over 130 before the onset of the US-Iran conflict. • Why it matters: This decline in maritime traffic highlights the impact of ongoing military tensions in the region, affecting global shipping routes and potentially escalating economic repercussions. • What to watch next: Monitor developments in US-Iran relations and any changes in military operations that could further influence shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz.

Strait of Hormuz traffic falls five times since start of war — WSJ The publication also noted that on August 11, 14 vessels managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz with 11 of them using the so-called Iranian corridor NEW YORK, August 12. /TASS/. The number of vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz every day in July was five times less than what it was at the start of the conflict, The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday citing maritime digital tracking data. According to WSJ, an average of 26 vessels managed to cross the waterway per day in July, while more than 130 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz before the start of the US war against Iran. The publication also noted that on August 11, 14 vessels managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz with 11 of them using the so-called Iranian corridor. "Ship-tracking data shows that just 14 vessels on Tuesday crossed a waterway that routinely handled more than 130 a day before the war," according to the WSJ. "Eleven of those ships took the route administered by Iran." US President Donald Trump announced earlier in the day that the United States military will retain control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump announced on his Truth Social network page: "The USA has total control over the Strait of Hormuz. I think we will keep it! Our Naval Blockade is being called, by everyone, ‘a wall of steel,’ and there is nothing Iran can do about it." "They have no Navy, they have no Air Force, their remaining soldiers are unpaid, the IRGC is decimated and fleeing, and their ‘Leadership’ is uncertain," the US president added. The United States and Israel began a war with Iran on February 28. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding providing for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts, including in Lebanon. However, in the early morning hours of July 8, the US resumed large-scale strikes against Iran, accusing it of violating the terms of the agreements reached on the Strait of Hormuz. TagsIranNumber of migrant deaths while crossing Mediterranean up significantly since start of yearAccording to the International Organization for Migration, 821 people died or went missing on the route through the central part of the Mediterranean SeaRead moreKiev asks NATO for underwater vehicles, remote detonation systems — documentThe State Emergency Service of Ukraine requested the assistance in enhancing capabilities for humanitarian demining and transportation of explosive ordnanceRead moreMoscow to respond in kind if West seizes Russian commercial vessels — PutinThe Russian president emphasized that it wasn’t just about the areas where Russian vessels could be seized but wherever Moscow founds it necessary and reasonableRead moreThirty-six special op military pilots honored as Heroes of Russia — Defense MinistryAugust 12 marks the 114th anniversary of the establishment of Russian Air ForceRead moreRussia to resort to measures in response to growing NATO presence in Finland — embassyAccording to a source in the embassy, Russia has repeatedly drawn attention to the detrimental consequences of this policy, and the diplomats are sure that Helsinki are aware of these signalsRead moreTurkey to keep Black Sea closed to military vessels - expertCanan Tercan noted that withdrawing from the Montreux Convention is legally possible, but quite unlikelyRead moreIran's Supreme Leader avoids public appearances for security concerns — IRGCMojtaba Khamenei has not appeared in public since the start of the US-Israeli military operation against IranRead moreWitkoff says he is meeting released American Gilman in United StatesThe US president's special envoy thanked Russian President Vladimir Putin for granting the pardon and for "his personal engagement throughout this process"Read moreConflict exposes US military’s weakness — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard CorpsBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi said that Iran had not yet reached its final objectiveRead moreIran to join BRICS New Development Bank soon, says Central Bank GovernorAbdolnasser Hemmati said the most important outcome of cooperation among BRICS member states is the creation of the New Development BankRead morePress review: NATO boosts Northern Europe presence as Israel blocks Gaza peace effortsTop stories from the Russian press on Tuesday, August 11thRead moreRubio says Trump nominated him for Secretary of State without prior discussionThe US president called him and said he was going to be the secretary of state, the politician saidRead moreSwitzerland adds 45 entities, 9 individuals to anti-Russian sanctions list — TASSNine individuals have been blacklisted for the first time, including Rostec Executive Director Oleg YevtushenkoRead moreUkrainian drone attack kills civilian in CrimeaRegional head Sergey Aksyonov urged residents of Crimea to stay calm and vigilantRead moreAK-12 rifle more reliable, easier to use than foreign competitors — Kalashnikov CEOThe AK-12 is represented in export markets by the 7.62mm and 5.56mm caliber AK-15 and AK-19 modelsRead moreUS forces in complete control over Strait of Hormuz — President TrumpAccording to the US leader, Iran has "no Navy and no Air Force" Read moreBiden caused US munitions problems by aiding Kiev — TrumpAccording to the US leader, Joe Biden gave Kiev munitions worth $300 billion to UkraineRead moreRussian swimmer Kornev wins gold at 2026 European Aquatics ChampionshipsMaxime Grousset of France won silver and Grigori Pekarski of Belarus finished thirdRead moreAmerican mercenary Conor Kennedy arrested in absentia in Russia, placed on wanted listHe participated in combat operations on the side of the Ukrainian forces incognitoRead moreSu-57 constitutes key element for achieving air superiority — Russia’s Air Force CommanderSergey Kobylash stated that during the special military operation, Russian aviation and aviation munitions "reached a qualitatively new level"Read moreTokyo changes position despite prior constructive relations with Russia — PutinAs the Russian leader recalled, the Soviet Union and Japan signed a declaration in the mid-1950s that opened the way to a peace treaty and, consequently, a solution to the issue of the Kuril islandsRead moreMultinational statement on missile launches signals preparations for major war — expertAlexander Stepanov pointed out that, of the 41 countries, only the US, France and Britain possessed ICBM technologyRead morePutin arrives in Far Eastern city of Yuzhno-SakhalinskThe Russian president will attend the final stage of the Pacific Fleet’s exercisesRead morePlans to deploy new weapons in Asia-Pacific region pose threat to Russia, says PutinThe Russian president said the conflict potential is growing in the Asia-Pacific region and NATO forces are infiltrating itRead morePolitico says Zelensky 'fumbled' Belgrade trip as Kosovo remarks cause stirThe publication noted that Albania had reacted sharply to the statement as wellRead moreTrump confirms release of US citizen Robert Gilman convicted in RussiaAccording to the US President, Robert Gilman will arrive in the United States early on Wednesday Moscow timeRead moreDrapaty, killing civilians in Novorossiya, Donbass, pledges allegiance to West — expertVitaly Kiselyov noted that Mikhail Drapaty personally issued orders to Ukrainian forces to strike civilian vehicles on the Novorossiya federal highwayRead moreRussian army is global military powerhouse — expertAccording to Hero of Russia Yevgeny Poddubny, Russia currently has the most combat-ready and powerful army in the worldRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about release of American Robert Gilman, convicted in RussiaRobert Gilman was detained in 2022 at the Voronezh railway station after being involved in a drunken brawl on the Sukhum-Moscow trainRead moreSupreme Court rules to disqualify Yabloko party from parliamentary pollsThe Yabloko party has five days to appeal the rulingRead moreRussian citizen detained in US state of Louisiana with big batch of drugs — ICEThe investigation is ongoingRead moreGagauzia head transferred to prison with conditions degrading to human dignity — lawyerSergiu Moraru says that in this prison there is often no water for two or three daysRead moreKiev concerned over Russia’s Rassvet low-Earth orbit satellite constellationIn late March, Russia’s Bureau 1440 company successfully orbited the first 16 satellites of the Rassvet low-Earth orbit constellationRead moreCuba to embark on path of major change before end of Trump's presidential term — RubioThe head of the US foreign policy department did not disclose details of the changes he expectsRead moreSpecial op is most serious test Russia facing over past 30 years — Kalashnikov CEOAccording to Alan Lushnikov, it is still too early to assess the results of the company’s work during the special military operationRead moreBaba-Yaga drone number one target for snipers, Kalashnikov rifles — Kalashnikov CEOAlan Lushnikov noted that the role and place of snipers in armed conflict were constantly evolvingRead moreRussia develops Darwin-D protective net to shield roads from UAV attacksThe net is designed to shield highways, major roads, and transportation arteries at least 12 meters wide from attacks by FPV drones and fixed-wing UAVsRead moreNovorossiysk declares state of emergency after Ukrainian drone attackAccording to the latest reports, a secondary school, a sports school and a college had been damaged in the attackRead moreAll US bases will be seized if Washington uses nuclear weapons against Iran — IRGCBrigadier General Mohammad Reza Naqdi did not clarify whether the Iranian military would occupy the US bases on its own or with the help of other forcesRead moreCENTCOM reports disabling ship that attempted to breach blockade on IranAccording to the US military, the vessel has ignored repeated warnings while en route to an Iranian port via the Gulf of OmanRead moreTensions mount both in Asia-Pacific region, Arctic zone — PutinThe head of state stresses that Russia has always advocated, and continues to confirm its readiness to cooperate in the Arctic and the use of the Northern Sea RouteRead moreRussian troops hammer Ukrainian fuel tanks, ship with military cargo in new strikesRussian troops hit a Ukrainian patrol boat at the Ochakov port in the Nikolayev RegionRead morePress review: EU braces for winter fuel shortage as gold prices set to recoverTop stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, August 12thRead moreUS expert views Gilman’s release as step towards de-escalation ahead of Witkoff’s visitAccording to Gilbert Doctorow, the move also could be aimed at de-escalation between Russia and NATORead moreGerman lawmaker calls on government to rein in financial aid to UkraineMarkus Frohnmaier recalled that since February 2022, Germany has allocated more than 100 billion euro in assistance to UkraineRead moreUkrainian troops burn corpses of Colombian mercenaries with acid — war prisonerThe captured Ukrainian soldier added that he was guided to the position by a drone and was not provided with water or food, so he decided to surrenderRead moreYabloko receives Supreme Court’s reasoned decision for removal from electionsThe court session lasted more than nine hoursRead moreSpecial military operation to end or be suspended only on Russia's terms — MedvedevThe United Russia party’s Chairman noted that relations with the West will change little after thatRead morePutin arrives aboard Varyag missile cruiserPacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina reported to the president on the fleet’s ongoing drillsRead moreJapan expresses protest to North Korea over launch of ballistic missileDefense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi has said that Japan, together with the US and the Republic of Korea, is currently continuing to analyze information related to North Korea's missile launchRead morePentagon contractors for Golden Dome complete their first tests — BloombergAs the agency notes, the program included testing data transmission from sensors to the interceptor, as well as demonstration of propulsion systemsRead moreExpert doubts US is ‘running out of weapons’ due to conflict with IranMikhail Margelov explained that the Americans "have always been very businesslike and efficient in managing their weapons stockpiles, giving up very little over the years"Read moreRussia has right to attack any ships carrying cargo for enemy — MedvedevThe Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman stressed that Russian armed forces were capable of significantly extending their operations beyond the borders of the Black Sea basinRead moreSyrian court sentences Bashar al-Assad to death in absentia — TVThe court also sentenced Atef Najib, the former head of the political security directorate in the Syrian province of DaraaRead moreSu-35S pilot destroys two Ukrainian Su-27s in single air battle — commanderSergey Kobylash added that, "after skillfully executing a maneuver and taking up an advantageous tactical position," the Russian pilot fired three air-to-air missilesRead moreImplementation of US peace plan for Gaza de-facto stalled — Russia’s UN envoyVasily Nebenzya stated that the ceasefire was still being consistently violated, first of all by the Israeli sideRead moreRussian strikes destroy 80,000-100,000 sq m of refrigerated warehouses near Kiev — expertAccording to Alexander Bondarenko, the remaining facilities cover only 20-30% of the region’s needsRead moreSouth Korea calls on North Korea to cease missile launchesThe presidential administration stated that the actions of Pyongyang "are a provocation that violates UN Security Council resolutions"Read moreUK seeks to ‘reboot’ high-level military contacts with Russia — The TimesAccording to the report, UK military chiefs fear an "unintended escalation" caused by the lack of dialogue with MoscowRead moreUkrainian forces choose targets to sow fear, panic, but Russia shall win — expertYevgeny Poddubny emphasized that the most important thing for Russia right now is to prevailRead moreTwo suspected Russian drones found floating in Black Sea — Romanian defense ministerAccording to Romania’s acting Defense Minister Radu Miruta, the drones were spotted by a ship working in this area which called a coastal guard boatRead moreRosatom completes construction of Siberian Ring Photon Source compoundThe Siberian Ring Photon Source is a complex of 34 buildings, facilities, and engineering and technological equipment spanning approximately 90,000 square metersRead moreEU wary of 'Trojan horse' as it considers faster enlargement — mediaAccording to the sources, the European Commission was drawing up revised rules for new members, which will be presented to EU leaders at a European Council meeting on October 15Read moreAircraft possibly carrying Gilman makes stopover in IrelandA source in EU air traffic control services said that Shannon Airport is often used to refuel aircraft before flying over the AtlanticRead moreNATO Council says Russia 'bears responsibility' for drone incidents in Romania, PolandThe alliance intends to strengthen defenses on its eastern flank "from the Baltic to the Black Sea" and continue providing support to UkraineRead moreNearly half of Russians expect app removal to push users to Android, poll showsExperts note that the consequences of removing Russian apps from the App Store could impact not only the current user experience but also the future of Apple's ecosystem in RussiaRead moreTrump says he would like to run for third term, but US laws very strictAccording to the US president, "everybody wants" him to do soRead moreRussia’s defenses in Zaporozhye make Ukraine’s military 'hit brick wall' — military expertAccording to Andrey Marochko, the Russian army manages to hold back the enemy and advance on this directionRead moreRussia’s BARS-Kursk crew destroys over 30 Ukrainian UAVs in Sumy Region — soldierThe serviceman added that using radar stations, the troops track the flight of Ukrainian UAVs, lock onto the target, and then a Russian drone approaches the target and detonatesRead moreJD Vance personally asks Kiev to stop strikes on CPC infrastructure — newspaperAccording to the Financial Times, the US vice president conveyed Washington’s request in a phone call with Vladimir Zelensky on July 31Read moreUkrainian MiG-29 fighter jet shot down by friendly fire — defense sourceUkraine’s State Bureau of Investigation opened a criminal probe after the fighter’s crashRead moreGeorgia rules out restoring diplomatic ties with Russia — prime ministerAccording to Irakli Kobakhidze, Georgia’s objective with regard to Russia is a peaceful settlement of the conflictRead moreBaltic not NATO’s internal sea, Polish president warnsAlthough this follows from cartography and map analysis, in fact this is not entirely the case, Karol Nawrocki pointed outRead moreIN BRIEF: Latest Russian strike targets defense industry sites, logistic centersThe crews of the Russian Aerospace Forces delivered strikes against Ukrainian temporary deployment sites and drone control centers in the DPR, the Kharkov and Sumy Regions, the Defense Ministry reportedRead moreTrump expresses his distrust of IranAt the same time, in the president's opinion, the US is in "a very good position" on the Iranian issueRead moreRussian Air Force Commander calls Su-57 fighter key element in achieving air superioritySpeaking about the Air Force’s fleet, Sergey Kobylash noted that the "4++" generation multi-role fighters Su-35S and Su-30SM, as well as the Su-34M bombers perform ground support missionsRead moreEU uncertain who to pay for Kiev’s 90 bln euro loan — German MEPFabio De Masi accused the German government of irresponsibility for approving the loan to Ukraine without properly assessing the risks and consequences while "nothing has functioned in Germany for a long time."Read moreSiding with West in conflict with Russia unacceptable for Serbs — politicianMilos Jovanovic explained that the reason was that the West positioned itself as an enemy of Serbia and the people of SerbiaRead moreHouthis say they attacked Saudi forces’ positions in YemenThe attack left "dozens killed and wounded, including Saudis," Houthi spokesman Yahya Saree saysRead moreDefeat in Kramatorsk to deal massive blow to Kiev — BildThe situation is getting worse day by day, and the frontline is moving closer to Ukrainian positionsRead moreMoscow ready to exchange over 220 convicted Ukrainians for Russians — rights commissionerYana Lantratova added that the Russians in question included residents of the Donetsk and Lugansk people’s republics and CrimeaRead moreNorth Korea can deliver ‘death' blow in case of external threat — Foreign MinistryFirst Deputy Foreign Minister Jang Kum-chol called South Korean nuclear submarine program "a serious challenge" to the security and maritime sovereignty of North KoreaRead moreRussian troops liberate Vodyanoye community in Kharkov Region over past day — top brassRussia's Battlegroup North units took control of the settlement, destroyed an enemy armored combat vehicle and inflicted more than 210 casualties on Ukrainian troops over the past dayRead moreDamaged schools, dead, injured in southern Russia: consequences of drone attacksAir defense forces on duty intercepted and destroyed 502 Ukrainian UAVs over eight Russian regionsRead moreSerbian politician questions necessity of Zelensky's visit to BelgradeIn Milos Jovanovic's words, the people of Serbia "feel sad for casualties inflicted by the conflict on the two Slavic peoples," and Belgrade should "maintain the best possible relationship with all countries, including UkraineRead moreRussia destroys Ukraine’s US-made Humvee vehicle in Donetsk regionAs a result of a single precision strike, the enemy armored vehicle caught fire and its fuel detonated, the Russian Defense Ministry reportedRead moreUS may launch ground operation against Iran by year-end — expertMikhail Margelov said Donald Trump will make decisions depending on how much Republicans loseRead moreIN BRIEF: What we know about foiled terrorist attack against Defense Ministry officerThe suspect planned to blow up a car of the employee of the military commissariat of the Krasnodar RegionRead moreRussia slams Yerevan over plans to interrogate WWII veteranIt is hard to find clearer evidence of the moral and spiritual decay that leads to rapprochement with the modern faceless, morally impoverished Europe and fraternization with the neo-Nazi Kiev regime, Maria Zakharova statedRead moreUS could face 'bloodbath' if it launches ground operation against Iran — expertMikhail Margelov said there can be a lot of scenariosRead moreEU can supply Ukraine with weapons purchased from US — TrumpThe US president reiterated that he does not give weapons to UkraineRead moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s key statements on innovations, sovereignty, SKIFThe head of state noted that Russia has grown even stronger by expanding its technological capabilitiesRead moreRomania's MFA provides no evidence of Russia's involvement in UAV incidents — embassyThe Russian diplomatic mission stated that the officials "were shown pieces of styrofoam" during the meeting with ministry representativesRead moreRussian Air Force aircraft fleet almost 100% modernized — commanderSergey Kobylash added that since the start of the Russian special military operation in Ukraine, the Russian Air Force has "achieved impressive results in engaging both ground and air targets"Read moreGender transition surgeries in US to no longer be paid for by Medicaid insurance — TrumpAccording to the US president, dozens of US hospitals have ended "this so-called 'gender-affirming care'"Read moreUS controls Strait of Hormuz, would strike Iran if it attempted to change that — TrumpThe US president clarified that the strait was under complete controlRead moreUkrainians in Poland paying price for Kiev’s glorification of Nazism — Russian senatorAlexander Voloshin highlighted that the Ukrainian leadership had fostered the most radical forms of nationalism in Eastern Europe for many yearsRead moreRussia poses no threat to Japan, Moscow has no claims against Tokyo — PutinDespite this, Japan has classified Russia as a major threat, the Russian leader saidRead moreRussian troops liberate two communities in Ukraine operation over past day — top brassBattlegroup North units took control of the settlement of Shcherbakovka in the Kharkov Region and Battlegroup East units liberated the settlement of Novoye Pole in the Zaporozhye RegionRead moreUkrainian parliament admits country’s air defense forces in shamblesAccording to the statement, the authorities stopped informing society instead of addressing "the catastrophic state" Ukraine finds itself in due to "a lack of air defense systems"Read moreIN BRIEF: Putin’s statements on Western 'piracy, robbery', groundless Japan’s claimsThe Russian president said the Pacific Fleet’s marines carry out missions in the Pacific Operational Area "boldly, professionally, and heroically"Read more

Source: TASS English
RELATED NEWS

More Stories

All News
Russia

Israeli prosecutors move to charge Netanyahu’s aides – media

• What happened: Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara is expected to decide on charges against two close aides of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relat...

Russia

Drop in investment levels in early 2026 cannot be described as dramatic — Bank of Russia

• What happened: The Bank of Russia reported a decline in investment levels in early 2026, but described it as not dramatic, with overall investment activity re...

Russia

EU endangers itself by acting against civilian shipping — Russian Foreign Ministry

• What happened: The Russian Foreign Ministry criticized the European Union's Operation Irini, claiming it intimidates commercial shipping and obstructs fr...

Russia

Zelensky's government 'nepotism' paves way for massive corruption — expert

• What happened: Military expert Vitaly Kiselyov accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky of nepotism, claiming it has led to widespread corruption within...

Russia

Ukrainian drone attacks wound 12 DPR residents in one day — republic's head

• What happened: Ukrainian drone attacks injured 12 civilians, including a teenager, in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR) on August 12, according to DPR ...

Russia

Expert says fuel shortage being observed in Ukraine

• What happened: Ukraine is experiencing a fuel shortage due to strikes on its ports, which have severely impacted maritime imports and caused a spike in freigh...