Global shipping companies have responded cautiously to Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz is open, saying key safety and operational questions must be resolved before vessels resume transit through the critical Gulf entry point.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Friday that the waterway is accessible to all commercial shipping during a 10-day ceasefire linked to Lebanon, a development that helped push oil and commodity prices lower while lifting global stock markets.
A senior Iranian official added that all commercial vessels—including those from the United States—may pass through, provided their movements are coordinated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Ships would be limited to routes designated as safe by Iran, while military vessels remain barred.
Despite the announcement, international shipping authorities and industry groups are proceeding carefully. Arsenio Dominguez, secretary-general of the United Nations’ International Maritime Organization, said the agency is verifying whether the reopening aligns with principles of safe and unrestricted navigation.
Industry representatives echoed those concerns. The Norwegian Shipowners’ Association said uncertainties remain around issues such as potential sea mines, Iran’s conditions for passage, and how the policy will be implemented in practice.
BIMCO, one of the world’s largest shipping associations, advised members to remain cautious, warning that the extent of mine-related risks is still unclear. A US Navy advisory similarly urged operators to consider avoiding the area until threats are better understood.
Major shipping firms are taking a wait-and-see approach. Germany’s Hapag-Lloyd said it aims to resume transits as soon as possible but is still assessing outstanding concerns through its crisis team. Denmark’s Maersk said it is closely monitoring developments and will base decisions on its internal risk assessments. Other major players, including CMA CGM and Frontline, have yet to comment publicly.
Analysts note that even newly designated routes—such as those near Iran’s Larak Island—could pose navigational, legal, and insurance challenges, complicating a swift return to normal operations.
US President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran had agreed not to close the strait again and was in the process of removing sea mines.
As one of the world’s most vital maritime chokepoints, any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has significant global consequences, forcing companies to reroute shipments, suspend voyages, and absorb higher operating costs to keep trade flowing.
