Iran V2.0
Joined: May 2024
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 955
Likes: 1,008
From: Near SOU
Todays updates on the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandab Strait and all ports / anchorages in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman..........including an explosion aboard a VLCC off Muscat and a release of detained seafarers
The Greek owned VLCC, Olympic Life, experienced an explosion whilst off Muscat yesterday (May 26, 2026). There has been significant damage done to the ship, the explosion is said to have been on the waterline and bunker fuel has leaked into the sea. All crew are confirmed to be safe and unharmed.
More on this : Greek-owned VLCC hit by explosion off Oman, cause unknown (Baird Maritime - May 26, 2026)
Reports coming from the UAE have confirmed that 10 seafarers have been released by Iran after being detained in July 2025. They were aboard the Harbour Phoenix, an oil products tanker after the ship had been intercepted off Jask. The Indian government had been negotiating their release which was finally granted.
More on this : Iran releases 10 Indian sailors detained since 2025 (Gulf News - May 27, 2026)
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strair
All relatively quiet in the Strait of Hormuz, there are some ships on the move. The Iranian herders are still hanging around so traffic is extremely light
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is flowing freely this morning, no reported incidents
The Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha is very congested once again, ships are still being moved towards the Saudi and Kuwaiti coastline by Iranian herders
The area tween Mina Saqr and Jebel Ali has gone almost totally deserted....however, following the explosion in the Gulf of Oman aboard the VLCC, the ships are most likely to still be there but are dark on AIS. Some will have shifted across towards the Saudi coast.
Onto the Gulf of Oman....from Dibba to Muscat, all ports and anchorages are once again extremely congested, the Iranian herders are very busy getting the anchorages tightly packed. Although no explanation for the explosion aboard the VLCC yesterday has been given, the seafarers on these ships will obviously be very concerned about their safety
Unfortunately no updates on the injured crew that remain in Omani hospitals who were hurt during the attack on CMA CGM San Antonio during Project Freedom
Thats it for today...back tomorrow
The Greek owned VLCC, Olympic Life, experienced an explosion whilst off Muscat yesterday (May 26, 2026). There has been significant damage done to the ship, the explosion is said to have been on the waterline and bunker fuel has leaked into the sea. All crew are confirmed to be safe and unharmed.
The vessel is owned by Athens-based Olympic Shipping Management, the successor to Olympic Management founded by late shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, according to the Onassis Foundation's website.
Reports coming from the UAE have confirmed that 10 seafarers have been released by Iran after being detained in July 2025. They were aboard the Harbour Phoenix, an oil products tanker after the ship had been intercepted off Jask. The Indian government had been negotiating their release which was finally granted.
"The seafarers have now been released and reunited safely," the shipping authority said.
"Necessary arrangements are being coordinated for the earliest return of the crew members to India."
"Necessary arrangements are being coordinated for the earliest return of the crew members to India."
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strair
All relatively quiet in the Strait of Hormuz, there are some ships on the move. The Iranian herders are still hanging around so traffic is extremely light
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is flowing freely this morning, no reported incidents
The Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha is very congested once again, ships are still being moved towards the Saudi and Kuwaiti coastline by Iranian herders
The area tween Mina Saqr and Jebel Ali has gone almost totally deserted....however, following the explosion in the Gulf of Oman aboard the VLCC, the ships are most likely to still be there but are dark on AIS. Some will have shifted across towards the Saudi coast.
Onto the Gulf of Oman....from Dibba to Muscat, all ports and anchorages are once again extremely congested, the Iranian herders are very busy getting the anchorages tightly packed. Although no explanation for the explosion aboard the VLCC yesterday has been given, the seafarers on these ships will obviously be very concerned about their safety
Unfortunately no updates on the injured crew that remain in Omani hospitals who were hurt during the attack on CMA CGM San Antonio during Project Freedom
Thats it for today...back tomorrow
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Joined: Aug 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 562
From: Washington.
Salute!
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Joined: Jun 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 1,851
Likes: 645
From: florida
Salute!
Agreed, Global. But this is not the basic kinda war/armed conflict we trained for. Secondly, patroling the area with AC-130's and Warthogs and Reapers and Apaches would work if willing to take a lotta hits from manpads and mobile eo-acq and guide/seek/home systems.
Only SAM kill I suffered in Red Flag was from an SA-8 and I was still not on the low level phase of the attack. No warning on the RHAW. A real one would have had the smoky launch and maybe my wingie would hav seen it, but whathehell. SA-2's and Firecan controlled 85's for my real experiences over Hanoi were not close enuf to talk much about.
Gums sends...
Agreed, Global. But this is not the basic kinda war/armed conflict we trained for. Secondly, patroling the area with AC-130's and Warthogs and Reapers and Apaches would work if willing to take a lotta hits from manpads and mobile eo-acq and guide/seek/home systems.
Only SAM kill I suffered in Red Flag was from an SA-8 and I was still not on the low level phase of the attack. No warning on the RHAW. A real one would have had the smoky launch and maybe my wingie would hav seen it, but whathehell. SA-2's and Firecan controlled 85's for my real experiences over Hanoi were not close enuf to talk much about.
Gums sends...
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
https://x.com/KuwaitArmyGHQ/status/2...948522934?s=20
Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosion sounds heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.
Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.
Kuwaiti air defenses are currently confronting hostile missile and drone attacks.
The General Staff of the Army notes that any explosion sounds heard are the result of air defense systems intercepting the hostile attacks.
Everyone is requested to adhere to the security and safety instructions issued by the competent authorities.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
https://x.com/EGYOSINT/status/2059839684038058280?s=20
Iran’s IRGC now says it has struck the U.S. Air Base used to launch the attack on Bandar Abbas.
The targeted base may have been Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts U.S. Air Force assets, including drones.
Iran’s IRGC now says it has struck the U.S. Air Base used to launch the attack on Bandar Abbas.
The targeted base may have been Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait, which hosts U.S. Air Force assets, including drones.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
Reference the above claimed US attack on Bandar Abbas:
https://x.com/FoxNews/status/2059797138075254886?s=20
BREAKING: The U.S. struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch an attack drone, officials tell FOX News.
Four other Iranian one-way attack drones that posed a threat in the Strait of Hormuz were also shot down, the officials said.
"These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire."
BREAKING: The U.S. struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch an attack drone, officials tell FOX News.
Four other Iranian one-way attack drones that posed a threat in the Strait of Hormuz were also shot down, the officials said.
"These actions were measured, purely defensive, and intended to maintain the ceasefire."
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
https://x.com/EGYOSINT/status/2059871150767796276?s=20
A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone is now flying over the Persian Gulf on a new ISR mission off Iran.
After departing Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base, the drone entered a holding pattern and made several loops before heading toward the Gulf.
A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone is now flying over the Persian Gulf on a new ISR mission off Iran.
After departing Muwaffaq al-Salti Air Base, the drone entered a holding pattern and made several loops before heading toward the Gulf.
Joined: May 2024
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 955
Likes: 1,008
From: Near SOU
Todays updates for the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandab Strait, all ports and anchorages in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman..........plus Dutch minesweeper being prepared to sail, South Korea identifies missile parts inside HMM Namu and three ships go dark and pass through the Strait of Hormuz
Dutch minesweeper, HNLMS Vlissingen, is being prepared for deployment to the Strait of Hormuz once the peace agreement and hostilities end. The Dutch...along with many NATO and non NATO Navies...are preparing ships, equipment and personnel for any form of multinational force to ensure safe passage for all ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently the various Navies are looking to gather in mid June or when the situation calms down and is safe
More on this : Netherlands readies minesweeper for potential post-war Strait of Hormuz role (Baird Maritime - May 27, 2026)
The South Koreans are said to have identified fragments of an Iranian anti ship missile within the damaged HMM Namu on May 4, 2026. The ship is currently undergoing inspection and repairs in Dubai.
More on this : https://maritime-executive.com/article/south-korea-identifies-iranian-missile-components-from-attack-on-hmm-ship (Maritime Executive - May 27, 2026)
Three ships have managed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without their AIS transponders turned on. VLCC Eagle Veracruz carrying 2 million barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia is heading to China, VLCC Nissos Keros carrying 1.8 million barrels of oil from UAE to India and LNG tanker in ballast, Umm Al Ashtan, has sailed from the Persian Gulf side of UAE to the Gulf of Oman side
More on this : Three oil, LNG tankers exit Hormuz with transponders off (Arab News Saudi Arabia - May 28, 2026)
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is quiet this morning, at time of writitng there were no reported incidents. As the above shows, ships are making their escape in AIS darkness...a very risky move since it means more pairs of human eyes having to keep watch for other ships which can be difficult, especially at night since as well as being AIS dark, they will be turning off all external lighting apart from basic navigation lights
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is running normally, again no reported incidents as yet today
The Persian Gulf ports and anchorages are all congested again this morning. Kuwaiti anchorages have thinned out due to ongoing attacks at various locations including a US facility. The rest of the area from Umm Qasr to Doha / Das Island is very busy and the Iranian herders are still pushing ships into tighter spaces
There is a little more visible activity in the ports and anchrages from Mina Saqr to Jebel Ali, again it does seem that much of the shipping has gone AIS dark. Not many Iranian herders around either, they too can also go AIS dark
On the other side of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman.....the ports of Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah are busy. Their associated anchorages are very congested and with several Iranian herders in and around the ships. Further south on the Al Widyyat, Liwa and Sohar anchorages, its much the same situation. Muscat has become exceptionally busy, the port of Muscat is not very big compared to many other ports in the region
No updates as yet regarding CMA CGM San Antonio crew who were injured during the ill-fated Project Freedom.
Thats it for today.....more tomorrow
Dutch minesweeper, HNLMS Vlissingen, is being prepared for deployment to the Strait of Hormuz once the peace agreement and hostilities end. The Dutch...along with many NATO and non NATO Navies...are preparing ships, equipment and personnel for any form of multinational force to ensure safe passage for all ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently the various Navies are looking to gather in mid June or when the situation calms down and is safe
The Netherlands will send a minesweeper to the Mediterranean Sea as part of NATO operations to allow a possible rapid deployment to the Strait of Hormuz, should a mission there be agreed once the Iran war ends, ministers said on Wednesday in a letter to parliament.
The minesweeper, departing this week, will be able to contribute to the NATO standing mine countermeasures group from mid-June, the letter from defence minister Dilan Yesligoz and foreign minister Tom Berendsen said.
The minesweeper, departing this week, will be able to contribute to the NATO standing mine countermeasures group from mid-June, the letter from defence minister Dilan Yesligoz and foreign minister Tom Berendsen said.
The South Koreans are said to have identified fragments of an Iranian anti ship missile within the damaged HMM Namu on May 4, 2026. The ship is currently undergoing inspection and repairs in Dubai.
The Namu (38,314 dwt) was struck on May 4 while it was anchored off the UAE port of Umm Al Quwain. There were 24 crewmembers who were not injured, but there was a fire in the engine room and a hole in the hull above the waterline. The statement describes the hole as measuring approximately 16.5 feet by 23 feet and shows clear indications of an external explosion. The ship was taken to Dubai for inspection and repairs.
South Korean officials said on Wednesday, May 27, that they have analyzed the pieces recovered by a team sent to Dubai to examine the ship. They found the engine from the missile, a warhead, explosives, and the airframe. The First Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Park Yoon-joo, told the audience that they believe it was an anti-ship missile from the Nour series developed in Iran.
South Korean officials said on Wednesday, May 27, that they have analyzed the pieces recovered by a team sent to Dubai to examine the ship. They found the engine from the missile, a warhead, explosives, and the airframe. The First Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Park Yoon-joo, told the audience that they believe it was an anti-ship missile from the Nour series developed in Iran.
Three ships have managed to sail through the Strait of Hormuz without their AIS transponders turned on. VLCC Eagle Veracruz carrying 2 million barrels of oil from Saudi Arabia is heading to China, VLCC Nissos Keros carrying 1.8 million barrels of oil from UAE to India and LNG tanker in ballast, Umm Al Ashtan, has sailed from the Persian Gulf side of UAE to the Gulf of Oman side
Two supertankers and one liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker exited the Strait of Hormuz earlier this week with their transponders switched off, and are heading for India and China, shipping data from LSEG and Kpler showed.
The vessels joined a number of tankers leaving the Gulf this month, although oil and LNG traffic overall has still been limited.
The vessels joined a number of tankers leaving the Gulf this month, although oil and LNG traffic overall has still been limited.
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait
The Strait of Hormuz is quiet this morning, at time of writitng there were no reported incidents. As the above shows, ships are making their escape in AIS darkness...a very risky move since it means more pairs of human eyes having to keep watch for other ships which can be difficult, especially at night since as well as being AIS dark, they will be turning off all external lighting apart from basic navigation lights
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is running normally, again no reported incidents as yet today
The Persian Gulf ports and anchorages are all congested again this morning. Kuwaiti anchorages have thinned out due to ongoing attacks at various locations including a US facility. The rest of the area from Umm Qasr to Doha / Das Island is very busy and the Iranian herders are still pushing ships into tighter spaces
There is a little more visible activity in the ports and anchrages from Mina Saqr to Jebel Ali, again it does seem that much of the shipping has gone AIS dark. Not many Iranian herders around either, they too can also go AIS dark
On the other side of the Strait of Hormuz in the Gulf of Oman.....the ports of Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah are busy. Their associated anchorages are very congested and with several Iranian herders in and around the ships. Further south on the Al Widyyat, Liwa and Sohar anchorages, its much the same situation. Muscat has become exceptionally busy, the port of Muscat is not very big compared to many other ports in the region
No updates as yet regarding CMA CGM San Antonio crew who were injured during the ill-fated Project Freedom.
Thats it for today.....more tomorrow
Joined: May 2024
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 955
Likes: 1,008
From: Near SOU
Not always, no.
I have found a few anchored or slow cruising in territorial waters that belong to other Gulf States several times over the weeks. Many of the main anchorages are slightly outside of territorial waters but the herders are frequently tween the anchorages and the port. There is nothing that countries can do to stop it.....if they send one of their own patrol ships or a tug out to ward it off Iran will see that as a hostile action and retaliate. So it is often easier to watch them, note them and let them herd and intimidate than to spark a potential incident by telling them to go home.
The ships are being herded into tight groups, if a country complains about the Iranians in their territorial waters, even through diplomatic channels, that could (and likely would) place those ships in danger. Retaliation would be towards the ships as easy prey that cannot hit back and none of the Gulf States will endanger those ships and crews by trying to get rid of the Iranian herders by force or diplomatically.
I have found a few anchored or slow cruising in territorial waters that belong to other Gulf States several times over the weeks. Many of the main anchorages are slightly outside of territorial waters but the herders are frequently tween the anchorages and the port. There is nothing that countries can do to stop it.....if they send one of their own patrol ships or a tug out to ward it off Iran will see that as a hostile action and retaliate. So it is often easier to watch them, note them and let them herd and intimidate than to spark a potential incident by telling them to go home.
The ships are being herded into tight groups, if a country complains about the Iranians in their territorial waters, even through diplomatic channels, that could (and likely would) place those ships in danger. Retaliation would be towards the ships as easy prey that cannot hit back and none of the Gulf States will endanger those ships and crews by trying to get rid of the Iranian herders by force or diplomatically.
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
https://x.com/BabakTaghvaee1/status/...464071937?s=20
BREAKING: Ballistic missile launchers of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Miankooh, near Omidiyeh in southwestern Iran, were targeted by the United States Air Force after launching ballistic missiles at multiple air bases used by the U.S. military in retaliation for last night’s U.S. Navy strikes at Bandar Abbas.
BREAKING: Ballistic missile launchers of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Miankooh, near Omidiyeh in southwestern Iran, were targeted by the United States Air Force after launching ballistic missiles at multiple air bases used by the U.S. military in retaliation for last night’s U.S. Navy strikes at Bandar Abbas.
Joined: Nov 2025
Aviation Qualifications: SLF
Posts: 102
Likes: 75
From: Brisbane
News running around that there is an agreement to open the strait - whilst - there is a 60 day ceasefire...
Iran war live: US, Iran reach MoU on 60-day truce, Trump’s approval pending | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera
US and Iran reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire, US sources say
Iran war live: US, Iran reach MoU on 60-day truce, Trump’s approval pending | US-Israel war on Iran News | Al Jazeera
US and Iran reach tentative deal to extend ceasefire, US sources say
Joined: Aug 2013
Aviation Qualifications: Military (Retired)
Posts: 1,345
Likes: 562
From: Washington.
Salute!
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Salute!
No deal yet. Taking a guess what gets blown up first. My guess is another nuclear facility, then something involving transportation within the country, not Kharg. Hope the Starlink gear can provide coverage.
Looks like Iran Rev Is Guard is warning other states about being cozy with the U.S. Guess that's part of the claim they are gonna rid the region of U.S. military, or at least give no sanctuary to U.S. military in the area.
Gums sends...
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2009
Aviation Qualifications: Military
Posts: 9,328
Likes: 2,175
From: Texas
Originally Posted by Newsweek
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied Iranian state TV reports that an American aircraft was shot down near Bushehr. This denial comes amidst ongoing tensions and a reported memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran aimed at de-escalation. The situation is described as a "game of chicken" with a potential for renewed conflict.
Be skeptical.
Joined: May 2024
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 955
Likes: 1,008
From: Near SOU
Todays updates on the Strait of Hormuz, Bab-el-Mandab Strait and all ports / anchorages in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman........plus Kuwait attacked again, Iranian demands for $12 billion and airlines cutting more and more flights in the region due to ceasefire jitters
The airlines are showing their discomfort over flights to the Middle East region, there are significant jitters due to the unpredictability of the US and Iranian administrations who have chopped and changed minds many times during the ceasefire. There are real concerns that airspace could close at a moments notice due to hostilities and longhaul flights being diverted away from the usual Middle East routes.
Table from Iraqi News....
More on this : Airlines suspend Middle East flights amid growing US-Iran conflict risk (Iraqi News - May 27, 2026)
Kuwait has come under attack again by hostile drones. So far all have been intercepted and the Kuwati government has stated that they will defend themselves and possibly retaliate if needed.
Iran are demanding $12 billion upfront before they will extend the ceasefire....this is part of $24 billion of frozen funds owed to them by the US under the now torn up Obama deal. There will be no extended ceasefire without the upfront payment.
More on this : Iran Demands $12B Up Front for 60-Day Ceasefire Extension (Maritime Executive - May 28, 2026)
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait
At time of writing there have been no reported incidents in the region of the two Straits. Traffic is virtually non existant out of the Strait of Hormuz but flowing well through the Bab-el-Mandab Strait
The Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha...little change, very very congested in all ports and anchorages with many ships treading water on their anchor chains but not moving any distances. The usual herders are still milling about tween the ships
Tween Mina Saqr and Abu Dhabi there seems to be a little more visible shipping although the main anchorages of Mina Saqr, Ras al Khaimah and Das Island remain very light.
Over on the Gulf of Oman side from Dibba to Muscat, it looks less congested but the caveat is that many ships in the area will have gone dark on AIS. The port and anchorage of Fujairah are both very very quiet this morning. Several ships appear to be moving tween main anchorages rather than sitting still, possibly to avoid further attack such as the VLCC a couple days ago
Still no news of the injured crew aboard CMA CGM San Antonio and the ship herself has yet to come back on AIS which does not bode well for her.
Thats it for today....back tomorrow
The airlines are showing their discomfort over flights to the Middle East region, there are significant jitters due to the unpredictability of the US and Iranian administrations who have chopped and changed minds many times during the ceasefire. There are real concerns that airspace could close at a moments notice due to hostilities and longhaul flights being diverted away from the usual Middle East routes.
Table from Iraqi News....
Global commercial aviation corridors are undergoing a massive structural realign as international airlines rapidly cancel, suspend, or scale back operations across the Middle East. Driven by escalating regional tensions and the looming threat of a direct military confrontation between Iran and a U.S.-Israeli coalition, global carriers are rerouting transit networks entirely away from traditional regional hubs.
According to live aviation tracking data and updates published by Reuters on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, mainline intercontinental flights between Europe and Asia are increasingly bypassing Middle Eastern airspace. To capture the displaced passenger traffic and adapt to the volatile geopolitical environment, major Gulf-based airlines and international long-haul carriers are aggressively adjusting their operational capacities.
Fears of sudden airspace closures and missile threats to civilian aviation have prompted commercial carriers from Europe, Asia, and North America to extend flight bans across a broad list of cities, including Baghdad, Erbil, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and Beirut.
According to live aviation tracking data and updates published by Reuters on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, mainline intercontinental flights between Europe and Asia are increasingly bypassing Middle Eastern airspace. To capture the displaced passenger traffic and adapt to the volatile geopolitical environment, major Gulf-based airlines and international long-haul carriers are aggressively adjusting their operational capacities.
Fears of sudden airspace closures and missile threats to civilian aviation have prompted commercial carriers from Europe, Asia, and North America to extend flight bans across a broad list of cities, including Baghdad, Erbil, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, Tel Aviv, and Beirut.
Kuwait has come under attack again by hostile drones. So far all have been intercepted and the Kuwati government has stated that they will defend themselves and possibly retaliate if needed.
Iran are demanding $12 billion upfront before they will extend the ceasefire....this is part of $24 billion of frozen funds owed to them by the US under the now torn up Obama deal. There will be no extended ceasefire without the upfront payment.
In order to open the Strait of Hormuz and obtain some degree of restriction on Iran's nuclear program, the Trump administration may have to give Tehran access to billions of dollars in frozen assets, according to The Telegraph. The Iranian demand is politically perilous for the White House since it would have the appearance of a payment to Iran, and it would conflict with administration's messaging of "total and complete victory."
According to the Telegraph's sources, Iranian negotiators are demanding the release of a total of $24 billion in frozen overseas assets in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire extension (not a final settlement). Half of that money, $12 billion, would have to be released up front in order to get the memorandum signed and begin the process of further negotiations.
"Our demand is the release of the frozen assets – not in the future, but right now," an Iranian official confirmed to the Telegraph.
"No negotiations are possible without depositing Iran’s blocked funds."
According to the Telegraph's sources, Iranian negotiators are demanding the release of a total of $24 billion in frozen overseas assets in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire extension (not a final settlement). Half of that money, $12 billion, would have to be released up front in order to get the memorandum signed and begin the process of further negotiations.
"Our demand is the release of the frozen assets – not in the future, but right now," an Iranian official confirmed to the Telegraph.
"No negotiations are possible without depositing Iran’s blocked funds."
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait
At time of writing there have been no reported incidents in the region of the two Straits. Traffic is virtually non existant out of the Strait of Hormuz but flowing well through the Bab-el-Mandab Strait
The Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha...little change, very very congested in all ports and anchorages with many ships treading water on their anchor chains but not moving any distances. The usual herders are still milling about tween the ships
Tween Mina Saqr and Abu Dhabi there seems to be a little more visible shipping although the main anchorages of Mina Saqr, Ras al Khaimah and Das Island remain very light.
Over on the Gulf of Oman side from Dibba to Muscat, it looks less congested but the caveat is that many ships in the area will have gone dark on AIS. The port and anchorage of Fujairah are both very very quiet this morning. Several ships appear to be moving tween main anchorages rather than sitting still, possibly to avoid further attack such as the VLCC a couple days ago
Still no news of the injured crew aboard CMA CGM San Antonio and the ship herself has yet to come back on AIS which does not bode well for her.
Thats it for today....back tomorrow
Ecce Homo! Loquitur...
Joined: Jul 2000
Aviation Qualifications: Spotter
Posts: 24,509
Likes: 7,252
From: Peripatetic
https://x.com/MFABGWatch/status/2060...621114100?s=20
PM Rumen Radev announced that Bulgaria will extend the stay of U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport only until the end of June, linking the decision to ongoing discussions with Washington over visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens.
Speaking ahead of a Council of Ministers meeting, Radev recalled that he had personally raised the issue of U.S. visa requirements during his recent conversation with President Donald Trump.
🗣️ “So far I have not received a positive response. I fully understand the complexity of the legal procedures and the need for time, but we also have our own priorities and procedures.”
Radev stated that Bulgaria is therefore unable to approve a long-term extension of the tanker deployment and will instead grant a one-month extension through the end of June.
🗣️ “We cannot respond positively to the request for a long stay of the tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport.”
According to the Prime Minister, the extension is intended to provide the United States sufficient time to plan its next steps and identify an alternative location if necessary.
The remarks represent the clearest indication yet that the Bulgarian government is seeking to use ongoing bilateral discussions to increase pressure for progress on Bulgaria's long-standing objective of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
PM Rumen Radev announced that Bulgaria will extend the stay of U.S. Air Force tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport only until the end of June, linking the decision to ongoing discussions with Washington over visa-free travel for Bulgarian citizens.
Speaking ahead of a Council of Ministers meeting, Radev recalled that he had personally raised the issue of U.S. visa requirements during his recent conversation with President Donald Trump.
🗣️ “So far I have not received a positive response. I fully understand the complexity of the legal procedures and the need for time, but we also have our own priorities and procedures.”
Radev stated that Bulgaria is therefore unable to approve a long-term extension of the tanker deployment and will instead grant a one-month extension through the end of June.
🗣️ “We cannot respond positively to the request for a long stay of the tanker aircraft at Sofia Airport.”
According to the Prime Minister, the extension is intended to provide the United States sufficient time to plan its next steps and identify an alternative location if necessary.
The remarks represent the clearest indication yet that the Bulgarian government is seeking to use ongoing bilateral discussions to increase pressure for progress on Bulgaria's long-standing objective of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program.
https://www.bta.bg/en/news/bulgaria/..._source=openai
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Todays updates from the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab-el-Mandab Strait and all ports & anchorages within the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman......plus is the US ending the Iranian blockade, airfairs across the Middle east on the rise again and the opinion of a much respected Kuwaiti veteran journalist of the whole Iran problem
It seems that maybe the USN blockade might be about to be lifted. Various overnight posts and comments on social media from president Trump give rise to hopes that finally the many thousands of seafarers could start going home. However, with no actual deal ratified by president Trump to bring about peace in the region, it may...as so often the case...be nothing more than bluster...
More on this: Trump Says U.S. Will End Naval Blockade of Iran Maritime Executive - May 29, 2026)
Despite signs of recovery within the Middle Eastern airlines, the cost of jet fuel has risen a stated 121% thus airfares have increased causing an extreme drop in pax numbers. This is making recovery much tougher for ME based airlines across all Gulf States. The UAE has, as of May 2, 2026, lifted all restrictions that had been in place due to the ongoing hostilities.
More on this : Airfares to rise again as US-Israel-Iran war pushes jet fuel prices up 121% (Gulf News - May 29, 2026)
One of Kuwait's most respected media columnists, Ahmed Al Jarallah, gives a look at how the Kuwaiti's see the "Iranian problem". The many cultural misunderstandings and the stubborn refusal to negotiate and the fears of the Kuwaiti and other Gulf State citizens as the region's troubled child and the west's tensions collide.....
Text courtesy of the Arab Times Kuwait (printed May 25, 2026) The Iranian devil is in the details
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait........the Strait of Hormuz is completely clear of shipping that are using their AIS transponders....that is not to say that there may be ships sailing dark. At time of writing there are no reports of incidents.
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is running freely and very busy this morning, again now reported issues
Onto the Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha.......once again there is a very visible push to get ships further away from the Strait of Hormuz. Several ships that had gone dark have reactivated AIS and there is some movement but as has been the case for weeks, the Iranian herders are there, still milling around the ships. It also should be said that the weather is also causing problems in the region as a whole with daytime temps climbing well over 49 / 120 degrees. The seafarers who have already run short of drinking water and food aboard the ships will, inevitably be suffering further hardships.
The ports and anchorages from Mina Saqr to Jebel Ali and Das Island are busier today with more ships activating their AIS transponders. Again the temperatures are becoming an issue in regard to the health and welfare of the seafarers. Local support boats consisting of tugs and pleasure craft are visiting the ships, likely to be supplying essentials to them. Not many Iranian herders so far today in the area
On the Gulf of Oman from Dibba to Muscat, the ports of Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah are looking quiet this morning, very little movement of ships into or out of those ports. There is a strange looking ring of ships off Dibba but otherwise the other anchorages seem reasonably normal, if a little lighter than of late. Again there will be ships that are dark on AIS. The Iranian herders are out and about still in the area.
Once again there are no updates available regarding the remaining injured crew from CMA CGM San Antonio that was attacked 3 weeks ago during the ill-fated Project Freedom.
Thats it for today....more tomorrow.
It seems that maybe the USN blockade might be about to be lifted. Various overnight posts and comments on social media from president Trump give rise to hopes that finally the many thousands of seafarers could start going home. However, with no actual deal ratified by president Trump to bring about peace in the region, it may...as so often the case...be nothing more than bluster...
Listing out his conditions for the ceasefire agreement on social media on Friday, Donald Trump said the U.S. would lift its naval blockade. He did not give a timeline, but said ships caught in the region may start the process of “heading home.”Roughly a quarter of the large oil tankers trapped inside the Persian Gulf at the outbreak of the Iran war have managed to slip out, reports Bloomberg. Based on AIS signals and other data, it believes 29 of the 109 supertankers stuck in the Persian Gulf have either slipped out or gained permission from the Iranians for the transit.
However, traffic through the Strait has continued at a trickle, with even fewer vessels willing to chance a return trip back into the Persian Gulf due to the fears they could become caught. On Friday, the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and World Trade Organization issued a statement warning of the lasting impact. In addition to a rapid drawdown of the world’s oil reserves, they warned that the continued disruption was having broad impacts on food and other critical supply chains.
.........
“Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented naval blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’ Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families…” wrote Trump.
However, traffic through the Strait has continued at a trickle, with even fewer vessels willing to chance a return trip back into the Persian Gulf due to the fears they could become caught. On Friday, the International Energy Agency, International Monetary Fund, World Bank Group, and World Trade Organization issued a statement warning of the lasting impact. In addition to a rapid drawdown of the world’s oil reserves, they warned that the continued disruption was having broad impacts on food and other critical supply chains.
.........
“Ships caught in the Strait due to our amazing and unprecedented naval blockade, which will now be lifted, may start the process of ‘heading home!’ Say HELLO to your wives, husbands, parents, and families…” wrote Trump.
Despite signs of recovery within the Middle Eastern airlines, the cost of jet fuel has risen a stated 121% thus airfares have increased causing an extreme drop in pax numbers. This is making recovery much tougher for ME based airlines across all Gulf States. The UAE has, as of May 2, 2026, lifted all restrictions that had been in place due to the ongoing hostilities.
The biggest threat to your summer travel budget is the skyrocketing cost of operating an aircraft. The disruption to global trade and oil supplies has sent jet fuel prices surging by an eye-watering 121.1 per cent year-on-year in April, alongside a 77.7 per cent increase in crude oil prices, according to the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) April passenger and cargo performance reports.
The massive spike in operational costs is being passed directly onto the consumer.
Willie Walsh, the Director General of IATA, said, “The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand".
...........
Middle Eastern airlines experienced a 46.6 per cent year-on-year drop in passenger demand in April 2026. This collapse in the Middle East also dragged the entire global passenger market down into a 3.4 per cent contraction.
However, there seems to be a silver lining. The numbers also mark a noticeable improvement from March, when Middle Eastern carriers suffered a devastating 59.2 per cent year-on-year crash in overall traffic.
Excluding the Middle East, global air travel demand remained resilient in April, led by Latin America (+8.9 per cent) and Asia-Pacific (+3 per cent), while Europe posted modest growth of 0.9 per cent and North America was flat.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a record April load factor of 87.5 per cent, although traffic between Japan and China slowed due to political tensions. European carriers benefited from a 15.3 per cent rise in direct Europe-Asia traffic as travellers avoided Middle East transit routes. African carriers reported a 2.2 per cent increase in demand.
The massive spike in operational costs is being passed directly onto the consumer.
Willie Walsh, the Director General of IATA, said, “The cost of jet fuel more than doubled in April, which is pushing airfares up. Forward schedule data is showing a reduced offering in the coming months, indicating that airlines are balancing high fuel costs and weaker demand".
...........
Middle Eastern airlines experienced a 46.6 per cent year-on-year drop in passenger demand in April 2026. This collapse in the Middle East also dragged the entire global passenger market down into a 3.4 per cent contraction.
However, there seems to be a silver lining. The numbers also mark a noticeable improvement from March, when Middle Eastern carriers suffered a devastating 59.2 per cent year-on-year crash in overall traffic.
Excluding the Middle East, global air travel demand remained resilient in April, led by Latin America (+8.9 per cent) and Asia-Pacific (+3 per cent), while Europe posted modest growth of 0.9 per cent and North America was flat.
Asia-Pacific airlines recorded a record April load factor of 87.5 per cent, although traffic between Japan and China slowed due to political tensions. European carriers benefited from a 15.3 per cent rise in direct Europe-Asia traffic as travellers avoided Middle East transit routes. African carriers reported a 2.2 per cent increase in demand.
One of Kuwait's most respected media columnists, Ahmed Al Jarallah, gives a look at how the Kuwaiti's see the "Iranian problem". The many cultural misunderstandings and the stubborn refusal to negotiate and the fears of the Kuwaiti and other Gulf State citizens as the region's troubled child and the west's tensions collide.....
Text courtesy of the Arab Times Kuwait (printed May 25, 2026) The Iranian devil is in the details
Onto the Strait of Hormuz and Bab-el-Mandab Strait........the Strait of Hormuz is completely clear of shipping that are using their AIS transponders....that is not to say that there may be ships sailing dark. At time of writing there are no reports of incidents.
The Bab-el-Mandab Strait is running freely and very busy this morning, again now reported issues
Onto the Persian Gulf from Umm Qasr to Doha.......once again there is a very visible push to get ships further away from the Strait of Hormuz. Several ships that had gone dark have reactivated AIS and there is some movement but as has been the case for weeks, the Iranian herders are there, still milling around the ships. It also should be said that the weather is also causing problems in the region as a whole with daytime temps climbing well over 49 / 120 degrees. The seafarers who have already run short of drinking water and food aboard the ships will, inevitably be suffering further hardships.
The ports and anchorages from Mina Saqr to Jebel Ali and Das Island are busier today with more ships activating their AIS transponders. Again the temperatures are becoming an issue in regard to the health and welfare of the seafarers. Local support boats consisting of tugs and pleasure craft are visiting the ships, likely to be supplying essentials to them. Not many Iranian herders so far today in the area
On the Gulf of Oman from Dibba to Muscat, the ports of Dibba, Khor Fakkan and Fujairah are looking quiet this morning, very little movement of ships into or out of those ports. There is a strange looking ring of ships off Dibba but otherwise the other anchorages seem reasonably normal, if a little lighter than of late. Again there will be ships that are dark on AIS. The Iranian herders are out and about still in the area.
Once again there are no updates available regarding the remaining injured crew from CMA CGM San Antonio that was attacked 3 weeks ago during the ill-fated Project Freedom.
Thats it for today....more tomorrow.
Last edited by BonnieLass; 30th May 2026 at 04:51.