Ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz reached their highest level since the war began, according to ship-tracking data cited by WSJ and S&P Global. The rebound remains below prewar levels, and analysts say it is too early to call it a durable recovery.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz rebounded on Wednesday to its highest level since the war began, according to ship-tracking data cited by The Wall Street Journal and S&P Global Energy Commodities at Sea. But analysts said the route is still operating below prewar levels and remains vulnerable to renewed disruption.

WSJ reported 70 vessel crossings, more than double Tuesday's figure. S&P Global counted 78 transits for the same day, above its previous peak of 49. Both measures remain below the prewar daily average of about 130 vessels.

Kpler said the jump may reflect delayed traffic rather than a structural recovery. The firm said sustained higher traffic would be needed before the increase can be treated as a new normal.

Why the increase matters

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints for oil shipping, so even a partial rebound in traffic can influence energy-market confidence and wider perceptions of risk.

The recent increase matters because it suggests some vessels are again moving through the route after the wartime disruption, but it does not yet remove the security and political uncertainty around the strait.

WSJ also reported that seven of Wednesday's transiting vessels were flagged as Iranian.

Political and security context

Separate coverage said Iran rejected a UN-backed plan to evacuate ships trapped in the strait. According to that reporting, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps called the proposed routes unacceptable and dangerous.

The plan was reported to have support from Oman and the International Maritime Organization.

The dispute underscores how political control over movement in the strait remains a live issue, even as traffic data shows a rebound.

What to watch next

Analysts and officials will be watching whether the higher transit count persists for several more days or proves to be a short-term release of delayed traffic.

The key question is whether the current levels become a durable pattern or fade back toward the lower postwar baseline.

Revision note

Initial automated publication.