Strait of Hormuz Reopens as Ships Resume Transit After Iran Deal

The Strait of Hormuz reopening took a significant step forward Thursday as major shipping companies resumed moving vessels through the strategic waterway following the interim agreement between the United States and Iran to end their war.

According to maritime intelligence firm Lloyd’s List Intelligence, large commercial vessels have started crossing the strait for the first time in more than three months, signaling a gradual return of global trade through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.

Major Shipping Companies Return to the Strait

Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, said vessels owned by major international shipping groups had begun transiting the Strait of Hormuz after being effectively stranded since the conflict erupted in February.

Among the companies with ships reportedly passing through the waterway were Grimaldi Group, Cosco, Knutsen and NYK. Lloyd’s List also reported that two sanctioned crude oil tankers operated by the National Iranian Tanker Company entered the strait.

The reopening marks a critical development for global supply chains and energy markets after months of disruption.

Strategic Waterway Remains Partially Restricted

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. Before the conflict, roughly 20% of global crude oil shipments passed through the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to international markets.

Its closure during the war triggered a severe energy crisis, disrupted trade routes and pushed oil prices sharply higher.

While vessel traffic has resumed, shipping experts caution that the reopening remains incomplete.

Phillip Belcher, marine director of tanker trade association Intertanko, said the central shipping channel remains closed due to the presence of an estimated 80 naval mines that still need to be cleared.

Alternative Routes Now Carrying Traffic

Ships are currently using two alternative passages.

One route runs through Iranian territorial waters to the north, while the second passes through Omani waters to the south.

Belcher said both routes are now functioning and allowing vessels to move through the region.

“Those two routes now seem to be fully open,” he said.

However, these alternative channels cannot handle the same volume of traffic as the primary central route.

“This is like a highway where the road in the middle is closed and you’re using that hard shoulder,” Belcher explained. “We need to get back to having the highway open.”

Ship Crossings Continue to Increase

Shipping analytics company Kpler reported six verified ship crossings on Wednesday and another 11 on Thursday, indicating that confidence among vessel operators is slowly returning.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani confirmed that a merchant vessel owned by Grimaldi Group was among the first commercial ships to transit the strait after the agreement was signed.

Meanwhile, U.S. Vice President JD Vance said the U.S. Navy had eased restrictions around Iranian ports, allowing certain ships to resume operations.

Full Recovery Could Take Months

Despite the positive developments, maritime experts warn that restoring normal traffic levels will take considerable time.

Lloyd’s List estimates that approximately 550 merchant vessels remain positioned to leave the Persian Gulf, including:

• 160 oil tankers
• 200 bulk carriers
• 60 container ships
• 10 vehicle carriers

The gradual release of this backlog is expected to continue over the coming weeks and potentially months.

Global Markets Watching Closely

The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is viewed as one of the most important economic outcomes of the U.S.-Iran agreement.

The waterway serves as a critical artery for global oil and natural gas supplies, and any disruption has immediate consequences for fuel prices, inflation and international trade.

As mine-clearing operations continue and shipping traffic increases, markets will be closely watching whether the reopening proceeds smoothly and whether a permanent agreement between Washington and Tehran can preserve stability in the region.