Shipping through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains largely disrupted despite a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, as Tehran insists that all vessels must coordinate with its military authorities for safe passage. Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said in a televised interview that oil tankers and commercial ships are required to make “necessary arrangements” with Iranian authorities before crossing the narrow maritime corridor.
Khatibzadeh cited “technical restraints” arising from the ongoing conflict, including the presence of mines, as reasons for the new protocol. He emphasised that any vessel communicating with Iranian military authorities would be granted permission to transit safely. Iran has also broadcast messages to maritime traffic reiterating that clearance from its forces is mandatory for passage through the strait.
The development comes even as former US President Donald Trump indicated that the continuation of the 14-day ceasefire hinges on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While Tehran has stated that the route is open in principle, the imposition of conditions has effectively slowed movement through one of the world’s most critical oil shipping lanes.
Industry leaders have raised concerns over Iran’s approach. Sultan Al Jaber, chief executive of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, criticised the arrangement, stating that “conditional passage is not passage,” and warning that such controls amount to de facto regulation of international waters.
Market volatility has mirrored the uncertainty on the ground. Oil prices, which had plunged sharply earlier in the week, rebounded to nearly USD 99 per barrel in London trading on Thursday. The disruption in shipping has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, as the Strait of Hormuz typically handles a significant share of the world’s oil transit.
Operational challenges remain significant. Prior to the conflict, around 130 vessels passed through the strait daily. Requiring each of them to seek Iranian approval could slow traffic considerably and create logistical bottlenecks. Reports also indicate that Tehran has been charging some carriers transit fees of up to USD 2 million, further complicating commercial operations.
Despite the uncertainty, some movement has begun to resume cautiously. Two fully loaded Chinese oil tankers were seen waiting near the strait on Thursday, with another vessel en route, positioning them to potentially become the first ships to exit the Persian Gulf since the ceasefire took effect. However, with conditions still evolving, shipping companies remain wary, and normal operations through the Strait of Hormuz are yet to be restored.