Several ships have resumed Strait of Hormuz ship transit under conflict conditions, signalling cautious movement through one of the world’s most critical maritime routes. A French container ship, three Oman-linked tankers, and a Japanese-owned gas carrier all crossed the contested waterway despite ongoing hostilities. It remains unclear how these vessels secured safe passage as restrictions continue to affect the strait.
The French container ship operated by CMA CGM became the first Western vessel reported to cross since the conflict escalated. Japan’s Mitsui OSK Lines also confirmed that its co-owned LNG tanker, Sohar LNG, completed the passage, making it the first Japan-linked vessel and LNG carrier reported to transit the strait since the conflict began on February 28.
Strait of Hormuz ship transit remains limited
Shipping activity through the strait remains sharply reduced. Only about 150 vessels have passed through the route since early March, and most were linked to Iran, China, India, and Pakistan.
Several vessels also appeared to switch off their AIS tracking systems during the crossing, as their signals disappeared temporarily from monitoring platforms. That suggests ship operators remain cautious as they navigate the waterway.
Oman Shipping Management separately confirmed that two crude carriers and one LNG tanker recently exited the Gulf. China also acknowledged that several of its vessels crossed safely earlier in the week.
Why Hormuz shipping matters to the global economy
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital route for global energy supplies. Before the disruption, it accounted for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making any interruption highly significant for fuel markets worldwide. The disruption has already pushed fuel prices higher and intensified the broader energy crisis.
US President Donald Trump said petrol prices could fall once the conflict ends, though he did not offer an immediate plan to reopen the strait. French President Emmanuel Macron, meanwhile, said military intervention to reopen the route would be unrealistic and called for diplomatic solutions instead.
Strait of Hormuz over the last 24 hours.
Source: @MarineTraffic pic.twitter.com/WRe56zuszi
— HFI Research (@HFI_Research) April 4, 2026Iran signals selective access and diplomacy
Outlines what it describes as an “open but controlled” policy from Iran. Under that approach, friendly, neutral, or non-hostile countries may receive safe passage if they coordinate directly with Iranian authorities and respect Iran’s sovereignty.
It also describes a reward-and-punishment strategy in which Iran makes transit easier for countries that have stayed neutral or criticised US and Israeli actions. The text says this approach aims to divide international pressure while preserving diplomatic channels.
Former Iranian foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif also suggested that Tehran could negotiate with the United States. He proposed curbing Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for sanctions relief and the reopening of the strait.
The same text says a post-war mechanism for managing the strait could eventually be decided jointly by Iran and Oman. That signals that, even as tensions remain high, diplomatic efforts may still shape how traffic resumes through one of the world’s most sensitive trade corridors.
