Shipowners and maritime traders respond cautiously to a reported US-Iran deal that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz within days. Several outlets say many vessels have positioned to leave ports or reroute, with estimates suggesting as many as 600 ships are considering an exit. Despite the prospect of resumed traffic, operators are waiting for clearer terms about when and how transits would be considered safe, after months of disruptions that included false starts and incidents in which Iranian forces fired on ships or seized vessels.
Companies also raise practical and security concerns. The strait’s narrow channel increases the risk of accidents if traffic returns without sufficient coordination, particularly if vessels attempt to “rush” through the area. Some reports add that additional hazards such as mines and complications in coordinating departures could slow or complicate movement even if the political conditions shift. Overall, the industry stance described across the sources is to delay full resumption of sailing until more operational details are available and safe passage can be assessed.
