Iran is moving its own cargo and oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz while foreign vessels face delays, rerouting decisions and higher security costs amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Iran is keeping its own maritime traffic moving through the Strait of Hormuz even as foreign commercial vessels slow, reroute or delay voyages because of rising security concerns in the Persian Gulf, according to The Wall Street Journal.
The Journal reported Friday that Tehran has been giving priority passage to Iranian merchant vessels through the strategic waterway while many international ships wait or reassess whether to transit the area.
The slowdown comes after several days of U.S. strikes on Iranian military targets and retaliatory attacks by Iran, which have increased concerns about further escalation across the region.
According to the Journal, congestion has developed near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz as shipowners evaluate security risks, insurers raise premiums and commercial operators wait for conditions to stabilize.
Iranian authorities, however, have continued moving domestic cargo and oil shipments through the narrow passage, allowing much of the country’s own maritime commerce to continue despite broader disruption.
The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. It is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, normally carrying about one-fifth of global oil supplies and roughly one-fifth of liquefied natural gas shipments.
A prolonged disruption in the waterway could affect energy prices and broader global markets.
The shipping delays are unfolding as President Donald Trump says negotiations with Tehran may still resume despite the renewed fighting. Speaking before leaving the White House on Friday, Trump said there is “a good chance” U.S. and Iranian officials could restart talks as early as this weekend, according to Newsmax.
Trump also said he was unsure whether there would be any need to formally extend the current ceasefire because he believes Iran wants to negotiate after sustaining heavy military losses.
The president repeated that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains his administration’s central objective. According to Newsmax, he also warned that U.S. military operations would continue if Tehran resumed attacks or refused to negotiate.
U.S. forces have continued strikes against Iranian military targets while Washington presses Tehran to return to talks.
For now, the Journal reported, Iran appears focused on keeping its own oil and commercial cargo moving through the Strait of Hormuz while foreign shipping companies face delays, uncertainty and heightened security risks.
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