On April 6, according to foreign media reports, the transit volume through the Strait of Hormuz has risen to the highest level since the outbreak of the Middle East war, as more countries reach security passage agreements with Iran. Over the weekend, 21 ships passed through the waterway, the highest two-day total since the transit volume began to decline in early March. Although the current number of ships in transit remains well below pre-war levels (about 135 ships), more countries have obtained passage permits. A senior crude oil analyst at Kpler in Singapore stated, “Iran is responding to requests from its partner countries while also strengthening control over the Strait of Hormuz. Passage still depends on Iran’s willingness, and if the conflict escalates, the situation could change at any time.” So far, most of the ships granted passage seem to be following routes directed by Tehran, sailing close to the Iranian coast. However, more ships are also beginning to choose routes along the opposite coast.