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Market Chatter: Over 20 Commercial Ships Sail Through Strait of Hormuz in Past 24 Hours

-- Over 20 commercial vessels have transited the Strait of Hormuz in the past 24 hours, WSJ reported, citing two US officials.

The increase in the number indicates improving traffic through the key global oil route.

Commercial tanker traffic, however, remains a fraction compared to pre-conflict levels.

Vessels that crossed the waterway in the last 24 hours included cargo, container and tanker vessels headed into and out of the Persian Gulf, WSJ reported, citing an official.

A few ships have reportedly sailed without their transponders switched on, making them difficult to track in an attempt to minimize the risk of an Iranian strike.

Vessels have reportedly not attempted to sail through the strait amid reports of Iranian attacks and sea mines.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for Iran to reopen the key waterway.

Two US warships sailed through the strait earlier this week in a freedom of navigation mission. The move aimed at establishing a new passage to encourage the free flow of commerce amid concerns about Iranian sea mines, according to the report.

The White House did not immediately respond to' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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