President Donald Trump said the Strait of Hormuz is “sort of open” as negotiations involving Iran and Oman continue over the future of the crucial shipping route, while oil prices remain elevated amid uncertainty over the waterway.
Trump said Friday that the war with Iran could end “pretty soon” as diplomatic efforts continue. He also warned that Iran could still fire on vessels or place mines in the waterway, highlighting the continuing risks facing commercial shipping.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, making any disruption to traffic through the waterway a major concern for global oil markets and international trade.
Shipping activity has remained far below normal despite Trump’s comments about the strait being partly open.
According to ship-tracking data cited by The Independent, only 33 vessels passed through the Strait of Hormuz from Monday through Thursday this week. That compared with 50 vessels during the same period the previous week.
Before the war, approximately 130 to 140 vessels would typically pass through the strait during a comparable period.
Only six crude oil tankers had exited the waterway during the week at the time of the latest report, while 21 vessels had entered, most using the Iranian side of the route.
The reduced traffic has continued to affect global energy markets. Brent crude rose to around $83.80 per barrel on Friday after gaining more than $3 during the previous trading session.
The uncertainty has increased pressure on negotiators to reach an arrangement that would allow commercial shipping to resume more normally.
The United States has said progress is being made in negotiations involving Iran and Oman. A U.S. official told Reuters that an agreement could be announced soon and that the proposed arrangement is intended to allow commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz without impediments.
If an agreement is finalized and implemented, Washington has indicated that it could lift its blockade of Iranian ports, although U.S. officials have stressed that any such steps would depend on Iran fulfilling its commitments.
The situation remains fluid, with shipping companies and energy markets watching closely for signs that the waterway is returning to normal.
For now, Trump’s description of the strait as “sort of open” does not mean that commercial traffic has returned to prewar levels.
The sharp reduction in vessel movements shows that significant uncertainty remains, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
Quick Facts
Location: Strait of Hormuz
Main issue: Disrupted commercial shipping
Current traffic: 33 vessels from Monday through Thursday
Previous comparable period: 50 vessels
Prewar traffic: Approximately 130–140 vessels over a comparable period
Brent crude: About $83.80 per barrel
Diplomatic effort: Iran-Oman negotiations
U.S. position: Seeking conditions for commercial shipping to resume
Status: Negotiations ongoing and shipping disruption continuing
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