For the first time in 110 days, major international shipping companies are moving vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, defying Iran's declared closure. Ships, effectively marooned since February, are now crossing the strait, according to AP News. Despite Iran's declaration of closure, major international shipping has resumed, with the US military reporting continuous traffic. This immediate resumption, coupled with US assurances, suggests a fragile period of open transit, though long-term stability remains dependent on the volatile US-Iran relationship and potential future US tolls.
Traffic Resumes Amid US Denial
US Central Command denied Iran's closure report, confirming continuous traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according to u.s. and iran begin peace talks amid conflicting claims over strait of hormuz. The U.S. military further reported 55 merchant ships transited the Strait on Saturday, transporting over 17 million barrels of oil, per pbs. This immediate and substantial resumption, after 110 days, suggests a highly coordinated effort by US and allied forces to assert freedom of navigation and re-establish transit, directly contradicting Iranian claims.
Who Is Shipping in the Strait of Hormuz?
Tankers from major owners like Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen, and NYK have resumed passage. Their rapid re-entry signals a perceived reduction in immediate threat and underscores the global economy's reliance on this critical waterway. This collective action by major international shipping companies effectively renders Iran's unilateral declarations of control toothless.
Naval Activity and Orders in the Strait of Hormuz
U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose American tolls in the Strait of Hormuz if a final deal with Iran is not reached in 60 days. This threat weaponizes the Strait's economic leverage, integrating it into broader US-Iran negotiations rather than solely addressing freedom of navigation. The resumption of traffic thus occurs amid escalating rhetoric and the use of economic pressure.
