Strait of Hormuz Reopens, but Shipping Industry Confused by Conflicting U.S.-Iran Routes

Although the Strait of Hormuz has temporarily reopened following an agreement between the United States and Iran, confusion continues as both sides tussle for control over the waterway.

According to the Financial Times on Tuesday, June 23 (local time), vessels are struggling to determine the safest route through the Strait of Hormuz.

This is because the U.S., insurers representing U.S. views, and Iran are presenting conflicting routes.

Iran has warned that vessels could face penalties, such as being turned back, if they do not obtain permission from its government or if they fail to take routes close to the Iranian coastline.

In contrast, the U.S. has issued guidelines instructing vessels to choose a route closer to Oman, where they can receive protection from the U.S. military.

For shipping vessels, following the instructions of the U.S. and insurers exposes them to risks from Iran, while complying with Iran's directives risks facing sanctions from the U.S.

SV Anchan, chairman of the U.S. shipping company Safesea Shipping, assessed that "shipowners and operators have been put in a difficult position."

He explained, "If we follow the guidance of U.S. authorities and insurers, there is a risk of facing transit interference, seizure, or hostile actions from Iranian authorities," adding, "On the other hand, if we follow Iran's instructions, we could get entangled in sanctions issues under U.S. regulations."

Currently, the U.S. military is guiding vessels toward the Omani route in the Strait of Hormuz and providing close escort support.

While vessels generally transit the Omani route in accordance with recommendations from insurers and the shipping industry, they are reportedly also considering the Iranian route as an option.

Even before agreeing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. and Iran had been locked in a power struggle since early this month over routes directly linked to control of the waterway.

During the war, Iran used control of the Strait of Hormuz as a powerful geopolitical deterrent, and it continues to express its determination to retain control even in the post-war period.

To this end, Iran established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) in May of this year, and last week, it issued a document requiring vessels to obtain transit permission from the PGSA.

Since its establishment, the organization has been listed on the U.S. sanctions list against Iran.

The U.S. emphasizes that Iran's claim to control over the Strait of Hormuz violates international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and that freedom of navigation on the high seas must be guaranteed.

In this context, the U.S. designated a route close to Oman in early June of this year, advising vessels to transit the Strait of Hormuz under the escort of the U.S. military.

On June 21, U.S. President Donald Trump named this route the "Guardian Angel" route and mentioned the possibility of the U.S. collecting transit fees.

Since the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war, which includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, vessel traffic has been increasing despite the confusion.

According to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), more than 30 vessels passed through the strait during the 24-hour period ending at noon the previous day, UK time.

This was recorded as the highest daily transit volume since the outbreak of the war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran on February 28 of this year.

The UKMTO has lowered the maritime security threat level for the Strait of Hormuz from "severe" to "moderate."

This assessment was based on the judgment that the maritime activities of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps have become less volatile, and the presence of the U.S. Navy remains stable.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.