Tanker movements through the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait remained well below normal levels at the start of the week, signalling that shipping operators are yet to regain confidence despite renewed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that diplomatic engagement with Iran could resume.
Data from maritime analytics firm Kpler, cited by Reuters, showed that only three oil tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, down from seven vessels recorded on Sunday. In the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, 12 tankers made the crossing, with most vessels keeping their transponders switched on, indicating they were not attempting to move through the route undetected.
The subdued shipping activity suggests that concerns over security in the region continue to outweigh optimism generated by Trump's comments on possible peace negotiations.
Oil prices initially weakened at the end of last week and into Monday after the U.S. president indicated there was renewed interest in diplomatic talks. However, the market later reversed course as traders questioned the likelihood of a breakthrough and assessed fresh signs that military tensions could persist.
Investor scepticism intensified following a CNN report that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) was exploring additional measures to increase pressure on Iran. According to the report, a CENTCOM officer circulated a message requesting "new creative and unconventional ways to pressure and punish Iran," a development analysts interpreted as inconsistent with expectations of an imminent diplomatic settlement.
Meanwhile, Iran is believed to be maintaining pressure on global energy markets by threatening key shipping routes used for international crude exports, contributing to higher oil prices at a time when the U.S. administration has sought lower energy costs.
On Monday, President Trump also criticised major oil companies for benefiting from elevated prices, accusing the industry of generating excessive profits.
"When you look at one company where they made 12 times what they made the year before, they ought to give some of that back to the public," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office.
He also urged producers to reduce fuel prices, adding, "They better cut the retail price, the consumer price."
The latest tanker traffic data highlights that, despite renewed diplomatic rhetoric, commercial shipping through two of the world's most strategic energy corridors remains constrained as operators continue to monitor geopolitical developments before restoring normal transit patterns.