Strait of Hormuz ‘open’ again but shipping remains near standstill

International

ON PAPER, the Strait of Hormuz is open again. In reality, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors is still operating in near silence.

Iran has announced that commercial vessels may resume passage through the strategic waterway, but maritime tracking data and industry monitoring show only minimal traffic, with just a handful of ships observed moving through the corridor since the declaration.

The announcement came from Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, who said the route has been reopened for commercial shipping during the current ceasefire period, provided vessels follow designated safe corridors.

He added that the measure is linked to the ceasefire in Lebanon and applies for the remaining duration of the truce, alongside previously issued routing instructions from Iranian authorities.

Despite the declaration, shipping groups say they are still assessing whether conditions are safe enough for normal operations. Vessel tracking continues to show subdued movement, suggesting that commercial operators remain reluctant to return in significant numbers.

Iran had previously restricted access to the strait following US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. A ceasefire between Washington and Tehran is due to expire on 22 April, adding further uncertainty to the situation.

US President Donald Trump said a naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain until a broader agreement is reached, while describing developments as “a great and brilliant day for the world.”

Iranian state media later cited a senior military official from Iran’s armed forces, responsible for operational coordination, saying commercial vessels must use a “designated route,” while military ships remain prohibited from transiting the strait. The guidance appears to align with routing plans attributed to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Iran’s elite military force responsible for strategic and maritime security operations.

Domestic reactions in Iran have been divided. Some outlets questioned the clarity of the foreign minister’s announcement. Tasnim News Agency, an Iranian media organisation affiliated with the IRGC, described it as “bad and incomplete,” adding that passage could be considered “void” if the US blockade continues. Other commentators have urged the government to issue clearer clarification.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, also rejected US statements, saying on X that Donald Trump “made seven claims in one hour, all seven of which were false.” He added that with the “continuation of the [US] blockade,” the Strait “will not remain open.”

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the world’s most sensitive energy chokepoints. Traffic has dropped sharply during recent tensions amid fears of tanker attacks and reports of potential naval mines.

International shipping officials remain cautious.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, the UN agency overseeing global shipping safety, told the BBC, “I need further clarification for the shipping industry that there will be no risks for the ships to navigate and it will be in accordance with international law,” noting concerns that some vessels may be disabling tracking systems for security reasons.

Security analysts are similarly unconvinced.

Cormac McGarry, maritime security director at consultancy firm Control Risks, said the announcement “basically changes nothing,” warning that risks such as naval mines persist and that “the scenarios are looking pretty bleak for shipping over the next few weeks.”

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, said Britain and France will lead a multinational mission to protect commercial shipping, describing it as strictly defensive and dependent on the end of regional fighting.(MyTVCebu)