Despite the announced two-week truce between the US and Iran, hundreds of commercial vessels remain blocked in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to maritime traffic data, amid concerns about sea mines and possible military action, 426 oil tankers, 34 liquefied petroleum gas vessels, and 19 liquefied natural gas tankers have become trapped. This mass halt reflects deep caution among shipping companies, which are reluctant to resume routes despite the diplomatic respite.
In response to the crisis, Iran’s naval forces published a map with alternative routes through the strait intended to help ships avoid mines. At the same time, Iran has completely stopped the transit of oil tankers as a retaliatory measure for Israeli strikes on Lebanon, directly hitting global energy flows. Authorities introduced new strict conditions for passage, including advance payment for transit in cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan, and sharply reduced throughput to a minimum.
On the international stage, the US has urgently asked its European allies through NATO mechanisms for concrete plans to secure shipping in the strait in the coming days. Washington’s move reflects growing concern about the stability of one of the world’s key energy corridors and a desire to obtain clear commitments from partners on joint patrols and route protection.
Shipping and insurance industry experts express extreme caution. The head of a major shipping company said it is still too early to speak of security guarantees despite the truce. Insurers note that insurance premiums remain at record-high levels due to ongoing uncertainty: it is unclear which Iranian agency is authorized to sanction ship passages and by what criteria their priority will be determined.
The overall situation remains tense and unstable. The declared truce is conditional and depends on the full and immediate opening of the strait, which carries about 20% of global oil shipments. For now, the ship blockade, new financial barriers, and the military-political standoff create a perfect storm threatening global supply chains and energy security.
Comments on the news
Which Iranian agencies or organizations are usually responsible for authorizing and regulating maritime transit through the Strait of Hormuz? - Primary responsibility for security and regulation in the Strait of Hormuz lies with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), in particular its naval branch. The IRGC operates alongside Iran’s regular Armed Forces and plays a key role in patrolling and controlling this strategic waterway. Formal transit permits may also pass through port authorities and Iran’s Ministry of Roads and Urban Development, but security and operational control are largely in the hands of the IRGC.
Why does Iran offer cryptocurrency or Chinese yuan as payment options for transit rather than traditional currencies? - Iran offers these options primarily to circumvent international sanctions imposed by the US and its allies. Use of US dollars or euros through the global banking system (for example, SWIFT) is difficult or impossible for Iran because of these sanctions. The Chinese yuan is offered because of close economic and strategic ties with China, which continues to buy Iranian oil. Cryptocurrencies (for example, Bitcoin) are proposed as decentralized and harder-to-track payment methods, allowing circumvention of traditional financial restrictions.
What is the specific context linking Israeli strikes on Lebanon to Iran’s decision to halt oil tanker transit? - The context lies in regional confrontation and Iran’s support for the Hezbollah movement in Lebanon. Iran views Hezbollah as a key ally in its “axis of resistance” against Israel and the US. Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon are seen by Tehran as a direct threat to its strategic interests and allies. In response, Iran may use control over the Strait of Hormuz — a vital artery for global oil — as leverage or a deterrent. Halting tanker transit can serve as a warning, demonstrating Iran’s ability to destabilize global energy markets in response to actions against its allies, thereby raising the stakes in the regional conflict.
Full version: الحرس الثوري ينشر خريطة لتجنب الألغام بمضيق هرمز وأمريكا تدعو أوروبا للمشاركة في تأمينه