Iran Controls Strait of Hormuz Shipping Despite U.S.-Iran Ceasefire
Image: 조선일보

Iran Controls Strait of Hormuz Shipping Despite U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

06 April, 2026.Iran.61 sources

Key Takeaways

  • Iran controls Strait of Hormuz shipping, leaving traffic near standstill.
  • Mediators push a 45-day US-Iran ceasefire amid looming deadlines.
  • Trump deadline for Hormuz ceasefire looms, prompting last-ditch mediation.

Hormuz Traffic Stalls

Despite the U.S.-Iran ceasefire, traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remained at a virtual standstill.

Reuters reported just five bulk carriers transited in the first 24 hours, while S&P Global counted nine vessels across two days.

Image from Al Jazeera
Al JazeeraAl Jazeera

The IRGC warned ships to keep to a route passing through its territorial waters around Larak Island.

The Guardian quoted the UAE oil CEO saying the strait is not open and access is being restricted, conditioned and controlled.

President Trump demanded Iran stop charging fees for tankers.

The strait had been effectively closed since late February, blocking about 20% of the world's oil and natural gas supply.

Conflicting Signals

Conflicting signals from Iran and the U.S. deepened uncertainty over control and safe passage.

Most shipping lines remained cautious, with only six ships passing in 24 hours versus about 140 normally.

Image from Al-Jazeera Net
Al-Jazeera NetAl-Jazeera Net

Iran put in place a policy requiring oil tankers to pay a $1-per-barrel toll in cryptocurrency.

The legality of charging fees was questioned by maritime law experts.

The Trump administration was pushing European allies to take on security in the strait.

The strait is governed by international law that guarantees transit as a matter of right.

Regional Tensions Persist

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran did not extend to Lebanon.

Netanyahu said there is no ceasefire in Lebanon.

The U.S. would host diplomatic talks to craft a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel.

The Lebanese health ministry reported more than 300 killed in Lebanon since the war began.

Iran's supreme leader said Iran is the definite victor of the war.

Trump was publicly critical of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

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