HORMUZ STILL BLOCKED AS IRAN ASSERTS CONTROL
Ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains largely frozen despite a fragile US-Iran ceasefire. Only a handful of Iran-linked vessels are moving, far below the usual ~135 daily transits.
Iran is tightening control by introducing designated “safe routes” and requiring ships to coordinate with its military, citing mine risks. In practice, this has deterred most traffic—some tankers have even aborted crossings.
A few Chinese tankers loaded with Saudi and Iraqi crude approached the strait but stopped short, highlighting ongoing uncertainty. Around the region, oil flows remain constrained and physical supply is tight.
UAE oil chief Sultan Al Jaber said bluntly: “The Strait is not open.” While Iran claims vessels can pass, access is conditional and controlled.
Shipping groups warn the situation is far from resolved. Concerns over mines and safety could delay a full reopening for weeks or months, even if traffic resumes.
