Ship traffic rises in Strait of Hormuz as Iran and U.S. interim deal takes effect
Following an interim agreement between Iran and the United States, vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz have increased, though still below pre-conflict levels, while disputes over tolls and future administration continue.
Ship movements through the Strait of Hormuz have increased since Iran and the United States signed a 60-day interim agreement to end hostilities that had disrupted global oil supplies. Maritime tracking data showed dozens of vessels crossing the waterway over the weekend, though the volume remains below the pre-war daily average of 100-130 ships.
Iran announced a temporary reopening of the strait after briefly closing it in response to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. The memorandum of understanding allows Iran to manage the passage for now while discussions with Oman and six other Gulf states aim to define a longer-term administration. Under the deal, Iran agreed not to charge tolls for 60 days.
"Almost all the power goes into Iran to determine the arrangements going forward in the future. This is what we really need clarity on," said Philip Belcher, marine director of Intertanko.
Both Tehran and Washington have floated the possibility of imposing fees on transiting vessels. President Donald Trump suggested the United States might levy its own tolls if a final agreement is not reached, while Iran has established a governmental authority to collect payments and expects ships to register with the Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
Legal experts warn that such tolls could conflict with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which guarantees freedom of peaceful navigation through natural straits. "You can’t impose fees for a ship exercising its right of transit passage," said James Kraska, professor of international maritime law at the U.S. Naval War College.
The main central route of the strait remains mined and closed, forcing ships to use the narrower northern route through Iranian waters or the southern route through Omani waters. Shipping analysts note that many vessels are keeping transponders off or following prescribed routes out of caution.
Insurance and logistics firms say the outlook for shipping has improved but uncertainty persists. "There is a degree of nervousness around the situation," said Marcus Baker, global head of marine, cargo and logistics at Marsh, adding that the interim deal does not guarantee a toll-free passage beyond the negotiated window.