Is the Strait of Hormuz closed to shipping?

Quick Answer

The situation has been volatile since the war began on 28 February 2026: phases of near-total blockade alternate with constrained traffic; in mid-July 2026 Iran again announced a closure. Around 20 million barrels of oil per day (about 20% of global consumption) normally transit the strait. Authoritative status updates come from UKMTO warnings and carrier advisories.