Shipping operators may require weeks of proof that the recent U.S.-Iran agreement is effective before resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Mitsui OSK Lines, the world's largest tanker owner. Jotaro Tamura, the head of the Japanese shipping company, indicated that while a deal has been reached to reopen the passage, a simple agreement is insufficient to reassure operators. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint responsible for over a fifth of the world's crude oil supply, making the resumption of safe transit vital for global energy markets.

Tamura stated that it is reasonable to assume it may take at least a couple of weeks for traffic to return to normal levels. He noted that previous attempts to reopen the route had failed, necessitating a cautious approach. Although Tamura made these comments prior to the official announcement of the deal, Mitsui OSK Lines confirmed that his assessment remains unchanged. The company successfully moved four vessels out of the Gulf before the reopening deal was finalized and confirmed it did not pay any fees to Iran. Currently, at least seven of the company's ships are waiting to pass through the strait.

Operational Challenges and Industry Stance

Philip Belcher, a marine director at Intertanko, urged restraint regarding the immediate resumption of operations. Reports indicate that some vessels have already attempted departures under cover of darkness and with their GPS systems switched off to mitigate risk. Approximately 135 ships passed through the route before the conflict escalated, highlighting the scale of disruption caused by the closure.

Tamura explicitly opposed Iran's push to impose a transit fee on vessels passing through the strait. He argued that such a fee would violate international rules regarding freedom of navigation. Mitsui OSK Lines' stance reflects a broader industry concern that any additional costs or regulatory burdens could complicate the normalization of shipping lanes in the region.

Key Vessel and Transit Data

The following table outlines the status of Mitsui OSK Lines' vessels and the transit volume prior to the conflict:

The United States military has reportedly executed a covert operation to transport over 90 million barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, utilizing ship-to-ship transfers reminiscent of sanctions-evasion tactics. This clandestine effort, involving at least 92 vessels, has been ongoing since early May off the coasts of Fujairah and Oman's port of Sohar. The operation employed aerial and water drones, along with helicopters, to guide convoys to awaiting tankers, facilitating oil movement despite an Iranian blockade and limited willing shippers. Reuters analysis of satellite imagery and shipping data indicates these transfers occurred between May 2 and June 11, moving crude and petroleum products to global buyers, though volumes remain below pre-war levels of about 20 million barrels per day.

Trump Details Secret Hormuz Mission

President Trump disclosed a "secret mission" directed at ensuring safe navigation for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated that the operation enabled the passage of "over 100 million barrels of oil" and more than "200 commercial ships" through the region over the past month. "The United States of America controls the Strait of Hormuz," Trump said, adding that Iran's military is "defeated" and declaring it was "over for Iran." The report notes that while Iran has historically used small-scale ship-to-ship transfers to evade sanctions, this U.S.-led operation involved larger-scale transfers aimed at protecting Gulf producers and maintaining crude flow.

Strait of Hormuz Reopening Plan

This covert activity coincides with a preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran aimed at ending months of conflict. Trump announced that "the deal's all signed" and that Vice President JD Vance would attend a formal signing ceremony in Geneva. The plan involves a 60-day ceasefire extension where Iran agrees to clear mines from the waterway and waive transit fees, while the U.S. lifts the naval blockade on Iranian ports imposed in April. Trump indicated the strategic waterway would reopen for mine-clearing operations following the signing. WTI crude oil declined 1.99% to $79.14 per barrel, while Brent crude was trading 1.38% lower at $78.47 per barrel as of the latest reports.

Diverging Claims on Control

Despite the reported progress, narratives regarding the administration of the strait differ. Iran's semi-official Fars news agency reported that a revised agreement includes language stating Iran and Oman would retain the right to decide the "future administration of maritime services in the Strait of Hormuz." This contrasts with the Trump administration's call for the unconditional opening of the waterway and its opposition to any tolling system. The following table summarizes the key operational and diplomatic parameters: