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Iran says 'Be polite and pass' as Strait of Hormuz traffic falls

Iranian embassies have posted tongue-in-cheek messages as shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz has largely halted since Feb 28 strikes, with only a trickle of vessels passing and Tehran considering a toll system.

Apr 4th 2026 · Iran

Insights

  • Iranian diplomatic missions used humour on social media about the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Maritime traffic through the strait has dropped sharply since the Feb 28 US and Israeli strikes.
  • A small number of vessels have passed by hugging Omani waters, including a CMA CGM ship and several India-linked tankers.
  • Some countries have negotiated bilateral arrangements for safe passage through the strait.
  • Iran says the strait functioned normally until the Feb 28 strikes triggered the current hostilities.
  • Tehran is exploring a toll system for ships using the strait to assert long-term control.

Sources