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.
The 60-Day Toll Waiver
President Trump declared a 60-day toll-free ceasefire period in the Strait of Hormuz, with tolls only applying thereafter if imposed by the United States. While this offers temporary reprieve for shipping, it simultaneously reveals a US strategy to weaponize economic access to the Strait as a direct lever in negotiations, rather than solely a matter of international maritime law, as documented by pbs and u.s. and iran begin peace talks amid conflicting claims over strait of hormuz. This creates ongoing uncertainty for long-term shipping stability, which remains contingent on US-Iran negotiations and the potential for future US-imposed tolls.
The 60-day toll-free period offers a temporary window for negotiations, yet the Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint due to its strategic importance for global oil transit—approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes through daily. The potential for renewed US-imposed tolls after late 2026 means shipping companies like Grimaldi Group face continued uncertainty regarding long-term operational costs and the risk of future naval confrontations or trade disruptions.
