Strait of Hormuz Open but Not Flowing: Around 20 Ships Attempt Passage, Most Turn Back
Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz is fully open to commercial shipping, causing oil prices to fall and stock markets to rise. However, approximately 20 vessels attempting to exit the Persian Gulf mostly stopped and turned back near the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping companies remain cautious due to concerns about safety risks like mines. Iranian officials stated that all commercial vessels can pass but require coordination with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps for navigation plans.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 18, 2026 at 14:28
- 🔍 Collected: April 18, 2026 at 14:31 (3 min after Published)
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 18, 2026 at 14:33 (2 min after Collected)
US-Iran War Key News
Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Paris, 17th, comprehensive foreign report) Ship tracking data showed that a batch of vessels attempted to sail out of the Persian Gulf this evening but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, shipping companies adopted a cautious welcome to Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz was open.
Reuters reported that Iranian officials stated today that during a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, this crucial waterway would be fully open to commercial shipping. This move led to a drop in oil prices and other commodity prices, and stock markets rose in response.
MarineTraffic, a ship tracking website, showed that about 20 vessels began sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz this evening but soon stopped, with some even turning back. This was the largest batch of vessels to attempt passage through this waterway since Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in response to US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
It is unclear why these vessels stopped, which included three container ships operated by French shipping company CMA CGM. CMA CGM declined to comment on this.
As of 21:00 GMT (5:00 AM Taiwan time on the 18th), most of these vessels had turned back, but tracking data showed that several newly arrived vessels were still sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz, mainly oil tankers.
Shipping companies cautiously welcomed Iran's announcement of the Strait of Hormuz's opening but stated that they needed further clarification on details, especially regarding safety risks such as the presence of mines, before resuming passage.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that all commercial vessels, including those flying the US flag, could pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but navigation plans must be coordinated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official stated that vessels would be restricted to navigating in channels deemed safe by Iran, and warships would be prohibited from passing.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the UN shipping agency International Maritime Organization (IMO), said: "We are currently verifying recent announcements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to confirm whether they comply with the principles of freedom and safe passage for all commercial vessels."
The Norwegian Shipowners' Association pointed out that key issues remain unresolved, including the presence of mines, Iran's conditions, and how these measures will actually be implemented. CEO Knut Arild Hareide stated: "If this represents a step towards opening, it would be a welcome development."
The shipping organization BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) warned its member states not to rush back to the route, citing uncertainty about the threat of mines. A US Navy announcement seen by Reuters also warned of mine dangers. (Compiled by Chang Hsiao-Wen) 1150418
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, Paris, 17th, comprehensive foreign report) Ship tracking data showed that a batch of vessels attempted to sail out of the Persian Gulf this evening but were unsuccessful. Meanwhile, shipping companies adopted a cautious welcome to Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz was open.
Reuters reported that Iranian officials stated today that during a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon, this crucial waterway would be fully open to commercial shipping. This move led to a drop in oil prices and other commodity prices, and stock markets rose in response.
MarineTraffic, a ship tracking website, showed that about 20 vessels began sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz this evening but soon stopped, with some even turning back. This was the largest batch of vessels to attempt passage through this waterway since Iran effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz in response to US and Israeli airstrikes on February 28.
It is unclear why these vessels stopped, which included three container ships operated by French shipping company CMA CGM. CMA CGM declined to comment on this.
As of 21:00 GMT (5:00 AM Taiwan time on the 18th), most of these vessels had turned back, but tracking data showed that several newly arrived vessels were still sailing towards the Strait of Hormuz, mainly oil tankers.
Shipping companies cautiously welcomed Iran's announcement of the Strait of Hormuz's opening but stated that they needed further clarification on details, especially regarding safety risks such as the presence of mines, before resuming passage.
A senior Iranian official told Reuters that all commercial vessels, including those flying the US flag, could pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but navigation plans must be coordinated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The official stated that vessels would be restricted to navigating in channels deemed safe by Iran, and warships would be prohibited from passing.
Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the UN shipping agency International Maritime Organization (IMO), said: "We are currently verifying recent announcements regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to confirm whether they comply with the principles of freedom and safe passage for all commercial vessels."
The Norwegian Shipowners' Association pointed out that key issues remain unresolved, including the presence of mines, Iran's conditions, and how these measures will actually be implemented. CEO Knut Arild Hareide stated: "If this represents a step towards opening, it would be a welcome development."
The shipping organization BIMCO (Baltic and International Maritime Council) warned its member states not to rush back to the route, citing uncertainty about the threat of mines. A US Navy announcement seen by Reuters also warned of mine dangers. (Compiled by Chang Hsiao-Wen) 1150418
Stand with the facts, your every sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used without authorization.
FAQ
Is the Strait of Hormuz currently passable?
Iran announced its opening, but many ships have turned back due to safety concerns, and navigation remains unstable.
What are the safety risks that shipping companies are concerned about?
They are concerned about the presence of mines, the conditions set by Iran for passage, and how these measures will actually be implemented.