Oil tankers navigate Strait of Hormuz via new route despite ongoing Iranian threats
Oil tankers are beginning to pass through the Strait of Hormuz again following a U.S.-Iran agreement signed in mid-June, though traffic remains far below pre-war levels. The development marks a tentative reopening of one of the world's most critical shipping routes, through which roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas normally pass. However, tensions persist over which routes vessels should use. A United Nations maritime agency promoted a southern route hugging Oman's coast, while Iran insists ships use a northern route closer to Iranian territory and requires permits. On Thursday, confirmed crossings reached 70 vessels, more than double the day before, yet still below the 130-plus ships that transited daily before the conflict. At least one cargo ship was struck by what U.S. officials say was an Iranian drone, prompting the UN to temporarily pause an evacuation operation. Both sides claim the strait is open, but disagreements over shipping routes and potential tolls could complicate efforts to reach a permanent agreement.
Key facts
- The Strait of Hormuz normally handles roughly 20 percent of global oil and natural gas trade, about 20 million barrels of crude oil per day
- Traffic on Thursday, June 25, reached 70 confirmed crossings, double the previous day but still below the 130-plus vessels that transited daily before the conflict began February 28, 2026
- A U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding signed June 17 calls for toll-free passage for 60 days, but Iran has not ruled out seeking fees afterward
- At least 14 seafarers have been killed in the strait since the conflict began, according to the International Maritime Organization
- Disagreements persist over shipping routes: the UN-promoted southern route near Oman versus Iran's insisted northern route along Iranian coast
- One cargo ship was struck on Thursday by what U.S. officials confirmed was an Iranian drone, causing damage but no casualties
How different outlets framed it
Left-leaning coverage: Left-leaning outlets focus on the humanitarian toll of the shipping disruption, including 14 seafarers killed and thousands of mariners stranded. They highlight Iran's legitimate security concerns stemming from U.S.-Israeli military operations and emphasize the need for dialogue over confrontation. Some progressive sources note that U.S. military escalation created the crisis.
Right-leaning coverage: Right-leaning outlets emphasize Trump administration's decisive military response and willingness to use force to defend American interests. They highlight Iran's aggressive actions—drone strikes, mine-laying, and threats—as justifying firm U.S. responses. Some conservative sources frame the agreement as a Trump victory restoring American dominance in the region.
Limits of this briefing
Coverage varies on casualty figures and exact traffic counts because some vessels disable tracking systems. Reporting on Iran's intentions regarding future tolls differs based on source interpretation of official statements versus implied policy.
Sources
- The Hill: Oil tankers exit Strait of Hormuz despite Iran threats Centre
- Al Jazeera: IRGC warns against new Hormuz route for ships: What we know Centre
- CBS News: Iran strikes commercial ship in Strait of Hormuz in challenge to U.S.-Iran deal Centre
- Newsweek: Why Is Iran Still Attacking Ships in the Strait of Hormuz? Right
- CNBC: Oil tanker traffic in Strait of Hormuz jumps after U.S. and Iran implement deal Centre