A third Turkish-owned vessel has safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz, Türkiye’s transport minister said on Monday, as conflict in the Middle East continues to disrupt one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints.
Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said the vessel Ocean Thunder, carrying crude oil from Iraq to Malaysia, passed through the strait overnight without incident.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since late February following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, escalating a regional conflict that has driven up global oil and gas prices and disrupted shipping traffic.
“This is the third Turkish-owned ship to safely exit the strait,” Uraloğlu said, adding that the number of Turkish-owned vessels in the area had dropped to 12, with eight still seeking to leave.
Efforts were ongoing to ensure the safe passage of the remaining ships and the 156 crew members aboard them, he said.
Shipping data showed the vessel departed from Iraq’s Basra port, a key oil export hub.
The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman, is a vital artery for global energy supplies, with a significant share of the world’s oil passing through it.
The disruption has raised concerns among governments and energy markets about supply stability, as tensions between Iran and Western powers continue to escalate.
Diplomatic sources have indicated that mediators have proposed a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, which could include reopening the strait, though no agreement has been reached.
The situation remains fluid, with shipping movements closely monitored amid fears of further escalation in the region.