With the U.S. Blockade and Iranian Restrictions, Vessel Congestion Builds Near Omani Ports South of Hormuz

Recent imagery captured by the Sentinel-1 satellite showed a noticeable increase in the number of vessels near the ports of Shinas Port and Sohar Port in Oman, south of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to imagery captured on May 22, 2026, the number of vessels detected near both ports appeared significantly higher compared with imagery from February 26, 2026, before the outbreak of the war.

Maritime Navigation Data

Maritime navigation data from MarineTraffic corresponded with the satellite imagery, showing noticeable congestion involving oil tankers and cargo vessels near the two Omani ports.

According to Google measurements, Shinas Port lies approximately 200 kilometers from the Strait of Hormuz, while Sohar Port is located around 230 kilometers away.

Gateway to the Strait of Hormuz

These ports are considered the southern gateway to the Strait of Hormuz, as they lie outside the maritime zone that Iran said it oversees for navigation management.

According to a May 20 post published on X by an account called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, the maritime zone controlled by Iran begins between Jabal Mubarak and southern Fujairah at the eastern entrance of the strait, extending westward to the line connecting the edge of Qeshm Island and Umm Al Quwain.

The two ports also hold additional strategic importance, serving as transit gateways for vessels entering the Gulf of Oman amid the blockade imposed by U.S. forces in the area.

Expected Agreement to End the War Between Iran and the United States

Media reports indicated that a potential agreement aimed at ending the war between the United States and Iran may be announced on Sunday, May 24. According to the reports, the proposed deal includes extending the ceasefire for 60 days, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.

The agreement is also expected to include easing restrictions on frozen Iranian assets, while discussions over Iran’s nuclear file would be deferred to a second phase of negotiations, which Pakistan has proposed should resume from where the previous round ended.

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