Is Strait of Hormuz Open Again? Maybe, but Few Ships Are Using It.
The New York Times • • general
Key Points:
- Nearly 24 hours after the cease-fire between the U.S. and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, with no oil or gas tankers passing through, according to ship-tracking data from Kpler.
- Iranian state media and semiofficial outlets reported the strait as “fully closed,” citing recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon as a reason for halting traffic again, and some tankers have been turned away.
- Iran requires vessels to coordinate with its navy and use designated routes due to mine threats, but limited maritime traffic and insurer caution have kept most ships from transiting the strait despite the cease-fire.
- The White House press secretary denied reports of closure but demanded the strait be reopened immediately, while refusing to clarify who currently controls the waterway.
- The Strait of Hormuz is strategically critical, carrying a quarter of the world’s seaborne oil and one-fifth of its gas; tensions escalated recently with strikes on Iran and a stern ultimatum from President Trump threatening severe consequences if the strait was not reopened.
