Hormuz Reopening Stalls

Shipping and energy markets are reassessing the U.S.-Iran peace deal after President Donald Trump declared the Strait of Hormuz reopened and urged, “Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Vessel-tracking data and shipping executives show traffic remains far below normal, with only a limited number of ships moving through the key oil chokepoint as operators wait for proof that mines, damaged infrastructure, logistics disruptions and security risks have been addressed. Mitsui OSK Lines CEO Tamura Jotaro said a return to normal could take “at least a couple of weeks, or if not a month,” while other analysts warn pre-war transit levels may take months to recover. Oil prices have fallen below $80 a barrel on hopes of restored flows, but firms including Barclays say supply disruptions could linger and keep longer-term price forecasts elevated.