Ships Cautious On Hormuz Transits Following Recent Strikes

3 Jul 2026 Issue: 69 / 27 By: James Marriott

After four days of tit-for-tat strikes between the US and Iran, ships are showing signs of returning to the Strait of Hormuz. But until a reliable ceasefire and a clearly-defined management system is established, transits will remain limited.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz continues to be sporadic, even as transits increase from record lows. An overall uptick in traffic has come on the back of on-off talks between the US and Iran that follow the signing of a 60-day MoU intended to enable a final peace deal between the two countries. This week, US and Iranian officials wrapped up two days of indirect talks in Doha that focused on maritime traffic through the strait.

Ships recently pulled back from the strait during four days of tit-for-tat strikes that were kicked off by Iran’s targeting of vessels transiting the waterway on 25 June. Many vessels looking to enter or exit the Gulf reversed course, with laden tankers opting to idle near ports until they could receive security guarantees. (CONTINUED - 868 WORDS)