Analysis: Iran has begun to lose control in Hormuz

 

TT

 

Published 07.55

 

Ships are anchored in the Strait of Hormuz. Picture from early August. Photo: Amirhosein Khorgooi/AP/TT

The US and Iran have been fighting for control of the waters around the Strait of Hormuz for months. Right now, it seems to be in the US's favor.

The analysis company Kpler tracks ships using transponders and satellite data and, according to the company, more than 80 percent of the ships sailing through the strait have taken the route along the coast of Oman - a route that Iran opposes. Over time, Iran has attacked a large number of ships that have sailed there.

But despite the risks, more and more ships are now choosing to ignore Iran's demands and threats and sail through the strait, with the promise of protection from American ships.

“It looks more and more like Iran has at least partially lost control of the strait,” Homayoun Falakshahi, an oil analyst at Kpler, told CNN.

Just a month ago, the situation was different. Kpler observed virtually no traffic off the coast of Oman at the time.