Disruptions threaten 20% of global energy flows, raising price risks Add as a preferred source on Google File photo of Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Managing Director and Group CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil ...

A Thai-flagged cargo vessel was struck in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday shortly after departing from the United Arab Emirates, as regional tensions continue to disrupt one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

Two Navy guided-missile destroyers entered the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, the first American warships to transit the strait since the U.S.-Israel offensive in Iran began on Feb. 28. USS Frank E. Peterson (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) are now in the Persian Gulf after transiting the strait as part of the U.

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is proving to be difficult. But even if the vital waterway fully opens and oil and other necessary cargo sail out, it won’t be enough to return things to normal.

Cargo vessels and tanker transits through the Strait of Hormuz saw a minimal rise last week, despite Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s denial the waterway is facing a blockage. Shipping analysis Lloyd’s List reported Monday that recent transits still represent less than 10 percent of the average traffic.

President Donald Trump said the U.S. military would remain around Iran until a real agreement is reached and fully complied with.

Even after a cease-fire, Iran is keeping a chokehold on traffic, forcing countries to cut deals that could put them at odds with the U.S.