Status of shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz following US-Iran ceasefire

Following a two-week ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, commercial vessels have begun positioning themselves near the Strait of Hormuz, though transit levels remain low. President Donald Trump announced the immediate reopening of the waterway, while Iran asserts continued military control over navigation through designated safe routes. Chinese tankers Cospearl Lake and He Rong Hai are currently stationary near the entrance of the Strait, alongside the Indian-flagged Desh Vibhor and the Saudi-flagged Jaham. Shipping companies are exercising caution due to ambiguity regarding the specific terms of the ceasefire and ongoing regional instability, including Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Indian government has formally welcomed the de-escalation, emphasizing the necessity of unrestricted freedom of navigation for global energy and trade security. The ceasefire was reached on Tuesday, shortly before the deadline set by the United States. Despite official claims of reopening, maritime traffic has yet to show a significant increase. The situation remains volatile as market participants monitor whether the agreement effectively secures the passage.