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May 22, 2026 Iran's Unverified Claims of Increased Traffic Through Strait of Hormuz Amid International Tensions The Maritime Executive reports that Iran is persisting with unverified claims of increased traffic through the Strait of Hormuz under its supervision, attributing this to coordination and security provided by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.
The IRGC Navy's public relations office stated that it has created a safe passage for the continuity of global commerce, as part of a broader effort to assert control over the waterway and introduce a tolling system. In a recent statement, the IRGC Navy reported that 35 oil tankers, container vessels, and commercial ships transited the strait in a 24-hour period, up from 31 the previous day and 26 the day before that. The force claimed all vessels received permission and security on a coordinated route, but no evidence was provided to support these figures. Some Chinese vessels and a South Korean tanker have been observed, while India continues to demand the release of ships.
Maritime intelligence firm Kpler released a tracking video showing only a small number of vessels making the transit, confirming 10 ships on May 20, an increase from four the prior day. Most traffic moved from west to east, with no new Iranian export loadings detected. Iran's Mehr News Agency claimed that Iran is exporting 1.4 million barrels of oil per day despite the U.S. blockade, citing International Energy Agency data that showed OPEC production fell by 620,000 barrels per day in April to 20.18 million barrels per day, following a 9.57 million barrel per day drop in March. It noted that OPEC's output declined by 32 percent and that other OPEC members outside the Persian Gulf region have not adequately compensated for the regional production loss.
U.S. Central Command said it remains vigilant in enforcing the blockade, reporting that 97 commercial vessels have been redirected and four have been disabled. Iran has announced new boundaries for the area around the Strait of Hormuz and launched the Persian Gulf Strait Authority. Bloomberg reported that Iran has been in discussions with Oman regarding control of the strait, proposing a fee scheme that could involve revenue sharing with Oman.
France's Foreign Ministry confirmed it has drafted a U.N. Security Council resolution as part of an international mission to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. France is prepared to launch a joint effort with Britain when conditions allow. A separate U.S. resolution drafted with Bahrain remains stalled after more than two weeks. China and Russia vetoed a U.S. effort in April and are believed to oppose the U.S.-Bahrain draft. The United States has secured nearly 140 countries as co-sponsors to try to avoid a second veto. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that the strait must remain open, stating that Iran charging a fee is unacceptable, but noted there has been slight progress in talks. The current President of the United States, Donald Trump, has said there is no fixed timeline and that any deal must be the right one to resolve the conflict.
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