Ship attack in Hormuz results in one casualty while Trump says strait is 'open and operating'

• At least 17 mariners have been killed in 65 attacks on commercial vessels since the U.S.-Iran war began on February 28, according to the International Maritime Organization
• Ship traffic through Hormuz has collapsed to a five-day average of 10 crossings (lowest since May 11) compared to about 130 daily transits before the war
• Crude oil exports through Hormuz reached about 5 million barrels per day in July, up from 1.6 million bpd in May, but still well below the pre-war level of 20 million bpd (one-fifth of global oil consumption)

Summary: Strait of Hormuz Ship Attack and Traffic Disruption

A commercial vessel was attacked while exiting the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one crew casualty after a projectile struck the ship's engine room. Oman's Coast Guard is assisting the remaining crew, with no environmental damage reported.

Key Developments:

President Trump claimed the strait is "open and operating" and that all water mines have been cleared, though U.S. Central Command did not confirm this statement. However, Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf stated Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. meets commitments under a June 17 memorandum of understanding (MOU), which expired Monday without a final deal.

Traffic and Casualty Data:

• Ship traffic through Hormuz has plummeted to a five-day average of 10 crossings—the lowest since May 11
• Pre-war traffic averaged 130 vessels daily
• At least 17 mariners have been killed in 65 attacks since the U.S.-Iran conflict began February 28
• The U.S. and Iran are contesting control, with the U.S. military escorting ships along Oman's southern route while Iran demands vessels use its northern waters

Oil Export Impact:

Crude oil exports through Hormuz have partially recovered under U.S. military protection:

• July: ~5 million barrels per day (bpd)
• June: ~4 million bpd
• May: 1.6 million bpd
• Pre-war levels: 20 million bpd (one-fifth of global oil consumption)

Energy Secretary Chris Wright claimed exports reached nearly 9 million bpd, though independent firms provide lower estimates, citing difficulty tracking covert vessel movements through the high-risk waterway.