Over 500 vessels remain stuck in the Middle East Gulf as the Strait of Hormuz stays largely closed to normal traffic, even after the US and Iran announced a peace agreement. Shipping data shows minimal movement through the waterway since the deal was revealed on Sunday, with most operators waiting for formal implementation before resuming transit. The strait, a key global energy route, handles about 20 per cent of seaborne oil trade and major LNG exports from the Gulf. Despite President Donald Trump's statement authorising "toll-free" reopening, Iran has not yet confirmed unrestricted access for commercial ships, leaving uncertainty in place.
A few small vessels have passed through, including the Indian LNG tanker Disha near Larak Island, but analysts say its journey was likely planned before the ceasefire and does not indicate renewed confidence. No significant crude or refined petroleum tankers have resumed transit, and most ships still avoid the central route, sticking instead to lanes closer to Iranian islands. Jakob Larsen, safety and security chief at BIMCO, said the risk of mines remains high, stressing that mine-free routes must be established before safe passage can be guaranteed. "We still consider it very risky to commence transits at this point," Larsen said, noting that floating mines and unexploded ordnance could hinder movement even after a formal deal.
The UK, alongside France, is leading a multinational effort to support maritime security and mine-clearance in the Gulf, according to Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Insurers are expected to keep strict coverage rules until safe corridors are verified by international authorities. The planned signing of the agreement on June 19 is seen as a potential trigger for恢复 in shipping activity, but analysts expect full normalisation to take weeks. With hundreds of ships waiting, the clearance process will be gradual, limited by ongoing security protocols and restricted routes.
The US announced the Strait of Hormuz would reopen "toll-free," but Iran has not confirmed access, leaving 500 ships in limbo despite the declared deal. This gap between announcement and verification puts global energy flows at risk and exposes how fragile shipping confidence remains. Vessel operators are not acting on political statements but waiting for concrete, mutual implementation. Until both sides confirm and enforce open passage, the backlog will persist regardless of diplomatic claims.
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