13JUL2026:Strait of Hormuz Week 19 Update: Why “All is Well” is Far from the Truth
In this video, we dive deep into the current state of the Strait of Hormuz as we enter Week 19 of the ongoing maritime crisis. While some reports suggest a return to normalcy, a closer look at the data reveals a much more volatile situation for global shipping and energy security.
⚓The “All is Well” Myth: Analyzing why official statements regarding the safety of the strait may be premature or misleading.
⚓Shipping Traffic Trends: A breakdown of current vessel movements and how “dark fleet” activity continues to bypass traditional monitoring.
⚓Escalating Risks: Why the threat of sea mines and targeted attacks remains a primary concern for seafarers in the region.
⚓Global Economic Impact: How the sustained blockade is influencing fuel costs and port logistics heading into the next quarter.
⚓The Strategic Standoff: An update on the naval presence in the Persian Gulf and the shifting dynamics between regional powers.
0:00 – Intro: Week 19 of the Strait of Hormuz Crisis
0:30 – Latest News: Attack on GFS Galaxy & US Strikes
1:42 – Maritime Security Advisories & Threat Levels
2:56 – Iran's Closure Proclamation vs. Freedom of Navigation
4:26 – Analysis of Transit Data & Traffic Patterns
4:58 – Visual Replay: Monitoring Shipping Routes (July 6-12)
6:55 – Weekly Recap: IMO Council Meeting & Global Tensions
7:49 – Panama Canal Restrictions & El Niño Impact
8:36 – The Economics of Shipping Disruptions
9:34 – LNG Carrier Attacks & Safety Concerns
10:44 – Japan's Energy Crisis & Deals with Iran
11:27 – US Military Escalation & Retaliatory Strikes
12:55 – Mining Threats & Countermeasures in the Strait
13:36 – The End of the US-Iran Ceasefire & New Sanctions
15:37 – Global Impact: Russian Diesel Bans & Red Sea Updates
17:14 – War Risk Insurance & Rising Operational Costs
18:47 – UAE Oil Surge & Potential Conflict Triggers
19:12 – US Domestic Issues: Jones Act Waivers & Protests
20:46 – International Law & Right of Transit Passage
21:40 – Final Casualty Reports & Persistent Drone Threats
23:02 – Conclusion: What's Next for Global Shipping?
22JUL2026: Guardians of the Strait? The New Reality in Hormuz
In this Week 20 update on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, Sal Mercogliano reports from the Irish Sea on the rapidly escalating situation in the Middle East. From the announcement of the “Guardians of the Strait” and proposed cargo tolls to the reappearance of Houthi interdictions in the Bab el-Mandeb, the maritime landscape is shifting once again. We break down the latest tanker attacks, the impact of new blockades on Saudi Arabian ports, and why the brief guise of a ceasefire has completely vanished.
Key Points:
⚓️Guardians of the Strait: Analysis of the latest administration statements regarding U.S. control and the controversial proposal for a 20% cargo toll.
⚓️Houthi Blockade: The Houthis have announced a blockade targeting ships serviced in Saudi Arabian ports, causing immediate U-turns in the Gulf of Aden.
⚓️Tanker Attacks: A recap of the ninth and tenth nights of strikes, including reports of abandoned Kuwaiti and Greek tankers following live-fire incidents.
⚓️Infrastructure Strikes: Details on U.S. strikes against Iranian bases and the use of sea drones in recent combat operations.
⚓️Seafarer Impact: The rising death toll among merchant mariners and the desperate measures ship owners are taking to maintain crews in high-risk zones.