UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said commercial transits through the Strait
of Hormuz have declined over the past 48 hours, with two‑way traffic in single
digits. UKMTO reported no confirmed attacks or interference but said Iran’s
threats and harassment — including drone overflights, directed surveillance of
merchant ships and occasional VHF radio calls — persist and “continue to
indicate Iran’s intent to maintain a presence along key shipping routes and keep
up pressure on transiting vessels.” UKMTO added that commercial traffic in the
Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb has also remained depressed since Houthi forces
imposed a maritime blockade on Saudi Arabia on July 20.