Confusion Reigns Over Strait of Hormuz as Ships Avoid Passage

Iran claims the vital oil chokepoint is open, but tankers remain cautious amid mixed signals from Tehran and Washington.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 10:26pm

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A composition of intersecting triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the disruption to global energy supplies caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.Geometric abstraction illustrates the complex geopolitical tensions disrupting the global flow of oil through a vital maritime chokepoint.Long Beach Today

Despite Iran's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz is open for commercial shipping, video footage shows oil tankers and cargo ships turning back and avoiding passage through the vital oil chokepoint. Conflicting statements from Iranian officials and President Trump have caused widespread confusion, with the shipping industry remaining cautious about transiting the strait due to ongoing security threats.

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint, with about a fifth of the world's oil supply passing through the narrow waterway. Prolonged closure of the strait would have severe consequences for the global economy and energy markets.

The details

A number of tankers and cargo ships did attempt to exit the strait on Friday via a route designated by Iran around Larak Island, but they suddenly turned back, according to maritime freight and oil analysts. Iran's Foreign Minister initially said the strait was "completely open" for the remainder of a ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel, but Iranian media aligned with the Revolutionary Guard issued conditions for safe passage that resemble the rules Tehran has imposed for weeks. Meanwhile, President Trump said the U.S. naval blockade of Iran remains in place, and Tehran has threatened to close the strait if the blockade is not lifted.

  • On Friday, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz was open for commercial shipping.
  • On the same day, oil futures contracts tumbled as the market interpreted the announcement as a major breakthrough.
  • However, video footage showed tankers and cargo ships turning back and avoiding passage through the strait.

The players

Seyed Abbas Araghchi

Iran's Foreign Minister, who initially said the strait was "completely open" for the remainder of a ceasefire with the U.S. and Israel.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who said the U.S. naval blockade of Iran remains in place.

Matt Smith

Director of commodity research at Kpler, who observed that tankers and cargo ships turned back after trying to exit the strait.

Tomer Ranaan

A maritime risk analyst at Lloyd's List Intelligence, who said it is "unclear whether there's a dramatic change" and that "Iran still wants ships to transit through its territorial waters."

Matthew Wright

Senior freight analyst at Kpler, who said the strait remains "functionally closed" and that the diplomatic overtures "cannot solve the physical disruption of energy supplies."

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What they’re saying

“They've clearly not been given approval to pass through.”

— Matt Smith, Director of commodity research

“It is 'unclear whether there's a dramatic change here. Iran still wants ships to transit through its territorial waters.”

— Tomer Ranaan, Maritime risk analyst

“It is a false dawn.”

— Matthew Wright, Senior freight analyst

What’s next

The large shipping companies will likely sit on the sidelines and observe the first movers before they dip their toes in, as it will take months for traffic through the strait to return to normal.

The takeaway

The confusion and mixed signals from Iran and the U.S. have left the global shipping industry wary of transiting the Strait of Hormuz, despite Tehran's claims that the vital oil chokepoint is open. The physical disruption to energy supplies will continue to worsen until the diplomatic situation is resolved.