🚨 Major improvement in Hormuz traffic
There is one consequential new development since the last update.
Reported by a U.S. official, but not independently verified: About 60 commercial vessels crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday, September 23, carrying roughly 22 million barrels of oil out of the Gulf. The official told Reuters this was the largest daily crude volume through Hormuz since early July. Roughly 40 of the ships reportedly coordinated with U.S. forces for protection. Reuters explicitly says it could not independently verify those figures. �
The Times of Israel +1
That is a dramatic change from Monday, when preliminary tracking showed only two commodity vessels making the crossing. �
Reuters
Why it matters: If this level of traffic proves sustainable, it would represent a substantial restoration of Gulf oil flows even before Washington and Tehran reach an agreement. Before the war, roughly 125 large commercial vessels normally crossed Hormuz each day, so traffic is not back to normal, but 60 ships and 22 million barrels in one day is a major improvement. �
Arab News
Meanwhile, U.S.-Iran negotiations in New York remain active. The two sides are discussing a phased arrangement in which Iran would reopen Hormuz and the United States would lift its economic blockade, but no agreement has been announced. �
The Korea Times +1
I found no new confirmed major U.S. strike on Iran, major Iranian attack on U.S. forces, ceasefire agreement, or Iranian leadership/regime change in this check.
Reuters report on the 60 Hormuz transits and 22 million barrels⁠�