Recent ship-tracking shows some commercial traffic is moving again through the Strait of Hormuz after a period of slowdowns linked to attacks between Iran and the United States and subsequent strikes. Multiple reports say at least 22 Japan-linked vessels— including six very large crude oil tankers—cross the strait and exit the Gulf between July 7 and July 9. Japan’s transport ministry says only four Japan-linked vessels remain inside the Gulf, while the Japan Shipowners’ Association reports a sharp drop in Japan-affiliated shipping since the conflict began. Separately, Reuters-reported tracking data cited by one outlet indicates LNG carriers are also entering the waterway again. The report points to at least five ballast LNG carriers that move into the region after movement slowed, including GasLog Shanghai and four QatarEnergy-linked LNG carriers: Al Samriya, Al Dafna, Al Gattara and Al Rayyan. The vessels are described as having entered during the past several days as security risks remain a concern. Overall, sources characterize the return of traffic as cautious, with companies and governments continuing to closely monitor conditions on a key global oil and gas shipping route.