In a recent analysis of maritime navigation data by Al Jazeera’s open source unit, it was reported that 66 ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz from March 1 to March 8, 2026, amidst escalating military tensions involving the United States and Israel against Iran. The analyzed vessels were managed by various companies from Iran, Europe, India, China, and Turkey. Particularly concerning were reported maritime incidents involving the Iranian Revolutionary Guard targeting vessels operated by Emirati and American companies during the same timeframe, underscoring the heightened risks in this strategic waterway.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that Iran would exert control over the Strait of Hormuz during wartime, which raises considerable concerns for international shipping and regional stability. The implications of this declaration could have far-reaching consequences for global oil supply and the movement of goods through one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Analysts fear that such control could lead to increased confrontations and possible disruption of shipping routes, impacting not only the regional players but also countries far beyond the Middle East.

The data revealed that among the ships crossing the strait were an Iranian oil tanker and two cargo ships flagged from Comoros and India; however, there was no ownership information available for the latter two on the tracking platform MarineTraffic. This lack of transparency raises questions about the safety and security of maritime operations in the region, as uncertainty could lead to caution among shipping firms considering passage through these waters under the current geopolitical circumstances.