Vessel traffic through the strait of Hormuz has not changed since Sunday's announcement of a US-Iran peace deal, based on AIS tracking data. This suggests shipowners are waiting for the planned signing on 19 June and further details before attempting transits.
The Indian LNG tanker Disha passed through without incident near Iran's Larak island. But the transit was likely pre-arranged and not the result of the newly announced deal.
Several smaller vessels also transited, in line with recent traffic levels. There were no significant movements of crude or product tankers overnight.
US president Donald Trump said on 14 June that he has authorised the "toll-free" reopening of the strait. But Iranian officials have yet to confirm that vessels can transit without restrictions.
Transits continue to use shipping lanes near Iran's Larak and Qeshm islands rather than the traditional central route, reflecting ongoing safety risks in the strait.
"The threat of mines in the area remains a concern immediately as well as further down the line, and mine-free routes need to be established," said Jakob Larsen, chief safety and security officer at industry association Bimco.
"We still consider it very risky to commence transits at this point," Larsen added. Floating mines pose a significant risk and are likely to result in restrictions from marine insurers on which routes are covered.
UK prime minister Keir Starmer said the UK will continue to work with partners to support reopening of the strait, including through a defensive, independent multilateral mission led by the UK and France, particularly to support mine clearance operations.
Uncertainty over access to the waterway remains. Trump has a history of overstating progress in reopening the strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of global oil flowed before the Iran war. He wrongly claimed in April the strait was "completely open", prompting a buildup of crude and product tankers before many were turned back.
The deal is set to be signed on 19 June, which participants said could be a trigger for any broader rebound in vessel traffic.
More than 500 ships remain in the Mideast Gulf, and Bimco estimates it could take several weeks for all to leave, particularly as most will need to use restricted routes until mine clearance operations are completed.
