Dispatches
The Strait of Hormuz Crisis, Day by Day
A running log tracking the closure of the Strait of Hormuz since the war began on February 28, 2026 — shipping traffic, insurance pricing, oil markets, and the diplomacy that keeps almost working.
Situation ongoing — last updated Aug 26, 2026 (Day 261)
New dispatches are added as the crisis develops.
Day 261
Aug 26, 2026
261 Days of "War and Talks" — The War of Narratives Enters a New Phase
The U.S. pivots from strikes to sanctions, Trump declares the Strait demined, and Iran and Oman cut their own shipping deal. Oil crashes as traders price in peace — again.
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Day 245
Aug 7, 2026
Iran and Oman Cut Their Own Deal
Tehran and Muscat finalize a 60-day Strait framework without Washington at the table. The U.S. admits munitions are running tight.
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Day 231
Jul 28, 2026
A Pause, and a New Front in the Red Sea
U.S. strikes pause after 13 nights as air-defense stocks run low. Houthi attacks turn Bab el-Mandeb into a second choke point.
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Day 188
Jul 14, 2026
The U.S. Reimposes the Blockade and a 20% Strait Tax
Trump restores the naval blockade and announces a 20% cargo fee on Strait transits. Iran strikes two UAE tankers in response.
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Day 176
Jul 9, 2026
The Ceasefire Collapses
Trump declares the June memorandum "over." U.S. forces strike more than 170 targets in 48 hours; Iran hits back across the Gulf.
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Day 130
Jun 24, 2026
The Strait Reopens — Toll-Free, for Now
Iran opens Hormuz to commercial shipping for 60 days with no fees. Oil crashes 40% from its peak. The nuclear-inspection dispute is just getting started.
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Day 113
Jun 15, 2026
Trump Says the Deal Is Done. Iran Isn't So Sure.
Trump announces a completed agreement on Truth Social. Tehran says it is still reviewing terms, and the IRGC keeps warning ships away.
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Day 101
Jun 10, 2026
Iran Moves to Legalize Strait Tolls
Tehran finalizes a draft "Environmental Services Fee" regulation for the Strait as global oil inventories breach the 100-day safety line.
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Day 82
May 20, 2026
The Strait of Hormuz Becomes a Toll Road
Nearly three months in, Iran declares the Strait a permanent asset. War risk insurance goes vertical and 1,500 vessels remain trapped in the Gulf.
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Day 0
Feb 28, 2026
The War Begins
Weeks of nuclear brinkmanship end in joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran. Khamenei is killed, and Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz within hours.
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