Many ships still avoiding Hormuz transit as ‘situation is unclear’

Uncertainty continues to disrupt maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, with many vessels hesitant to pass despite Iran’s claim that the route remains open.

John-Paul Rodrigue said mixed signals about the situation are causing ships to reconsider their movements.

“Ships have been attempting transit since the announcement … but it looks like many of them are heading back because the situation is unclear,” Rodrigue told Al Jazeera.

He added, “There is contradictory information being issued by all parties,” highlighting the confusion affecting global shipping decisions.

Earlier, Abbas Araghchi stated that the Strait of Hormuz is “completely open” to commercial traffic. However, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf cautioned that access could be restricted if US measures against Iranian ports continue.

Rodrigue noted that major shipping companies such as Maersk are unlikely to resume normal transit until there is full clarity and the complete “removal of the current Iranian interdiction”.