DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The Strait of Hormuz, the critical chokepoint through which about 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes, stayed under severe restriction Thursday as fresh US-Iran naval clashes threatened a fragile ceasefire and kept commercial shipping at a near-standstill for the 69th consecutive day.

Real-time maritime tracking data showed just three vessels transiting the narrow waterway in the past 24 hours — roughly 5% of the normal daily average of around 60 ships — with daily throughput plummeting to approximately 515,000 deadweight tons against a pre-crisis norm exceeding 10 million. Hundreds of commercial vessels remain bottled up in the Persian Gulf, unable to reach open waters safely.

The latest flare-up occurred Wednesday when US Navy destroyers transiting the strait reportedly came under attack from Iranian fast-attack boats. US forces responded by sinking several vessels and disabling an Iranian oil tanker attempting to breach the blockade. Iran's state media released footage claiming missile launches toward American ships, while Tehran accused Washington of violating the ceasefire. US officials maintained the truce remained in effect and described their actions as self-defense.

Ongoing Crisis Rooted in........

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