Strait of Hormuz reopens: But can ships’ safety be assured?
Summary
A preliminary deal between the US and Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil shipping, after being closed due to conflict. However, ship traffic remains low as shipping companies and insurers wait for signs of lasting safety and stability in the region.Key Facts
- The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow but vital waterway where about 120 to 140 ships passed daily before the conflict, half of them oil tankers.
- Iran closed the strait after US-Israeli bombings started, and the US responded with a naval blockade of Iranian ports.
- Since the preliminary peace deal, only seven ships have sailed through the strait, including some Iranian oil tankers crossing the US blockade line.
- Over 550 ships remain stuck on both sides, waiting to pass through.
- Iran requires ships to coordinate their passage with its Revolutionary Guard and stay near the Iranian coast.
- Shipping companies are worried about underwater mines, attacks by military forces, and possible renewed fighting.
- The US military has attacked commercial ships, causing casualties, and enforced a naval blockade redirecting or disabling vessels.
- Experts say that it may take about four months of no incidents for shipowners and insurers to feel safe enough to increase traffic.
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