Tankers crossed Strait of Hormuz amid reports of firing after Iran briefly opened key waterway

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquified natural gas flows during normal conditions.

Published on: Apr 18, 2026, 17:05:08 IST

Edited by Shivya Kanojia

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At least eight oil and gas tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after Iran briefly signalled that the critical shipping route was open during an ongoing ceasefire in the Middle East conflict.

Tankers crossed the Strait of Hormuz after Iran briefly declared the vital trade route open. (AP)

Later in the day, two merchant vessels reported being hit by gunfire while attempting to transit the strait, Reuters reported, citing three maritime security and shipping sources. The extent of the damage was not immediately clear.

The developments came hours after Iran announced a renewed blockade of the strait, following a brief reopening during negotiations with the United States.

Maritime tracking data showed that the vessels which crossed the Strait of Hormuz, included crude oil tankers, liquified petroleum gas carriers, and oil and chemical tankers, news agency AFP reported.

Key trade route remains disrupted

The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and liquified natural gas flows during normal conditions. However, shipping activity had slowed sharply since the conflict escalated on February 28, following US and Israeli strikes on Iran.

Also read | How Iran's 'mosquito fleet' of boats ensures Strait of Hormuz blockade

Even as some vessels managed to transit the route on Saturday, broader traffic patterns remained uneven. Data from MarineTraffic showed that several tankers approaching the strait had turned back near Iran’s Larak Island, which has been functioning as a checkpoint under Iranian control during the blockade.

Hormuz shut by Iran again

Later on Saturday, Iran’s central military command indicated a shift in position, stating that “strict management” of the strait would resume. The move was described as a response to a US naval counter-blockade.

The earlier closure of the strait has left hundreds of vessels stranded in the Gulf. It has also contributed to rising oil prices and higher shipping costs, with many ship operators avoiding the region due to security concerns, including the risk of attacks or sea mines.

Sanctioned ships and signals of neutrality

Among the vessels that exited through the strait on Saturday, at least three were reported to be under US sanctions. Some ships transiting the area were broadcasting destinations linked to India or China, which is being seen as an attempt to signal neutrality amid the tensions.

Also read | Iran reimposes ‘strict control’ on Strait of Hormuz amid continued US blockade

MarineTraffic data also showed a limited presence of other cargo vessels in the area, including container ships associated with the French shipping firm CMA CGM.

In a notable development, a cruise ship, Celestyal Discovery — crossed the strait on Friday, marking the first such passenger transit since the conflict began. The vessel moved close to Oman’s coastline after being docked in the UAE for approximately 47 days.

Also read | Merchant vessels shot at while attempting to cross Strait of Hormuz

“Reports indicate the vessel is sailing without passengers,” Marine Traffic said in a post on X.

Despite the temporary reopening, industry bodies have urged caution. “The status of mine threats in (Iran's maritime) traffic separation scheme is unclear,” Jakob Larsen, chief security officer of major shipping association BIMCO, said in a statement emailed to AFP. “BIMCO believes shipping companies should consider avoiding the area.”

(With inputs from AFP)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Shivya Kanojia
Shivya Kanojia is a journalist at Hindustan Times, where she works in the fast-paced digital news ecosystem with a strong sense of editorial judgement and a clear understanding of what makes a story both important and traffic-driven. An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), Shivya brings a thoughtful balance of news value and audience relevance to her work, ensuring stories resonate beyond the immediate headline. Over the course of her three-year journey in the digital news space, Shivya has worked across a wide range of beats, including politics, civic issues, human-interest features and trending news. This diverse exposure has shaped her ability to approach stories with nuance, adaptability and context, whether she is breaking down complex developments or spotlighting everyday narratives that often go unnoticed. She is particularly drawn to human-interest stories, interviews and explainers that offer depth and clarity, aiming to move past surface-level reporting to explore the people, emotions and circumstances behind the news. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Shivya worked with Firstpost and Times Now, where she covered a broad spectrum of topics and honed her skills in digital journalism . Outside the newsroom, Shivya enjoys discovering new cafés, drawn to good coffee, cosy spaces and unhurried conversations. Shopping is another pastime she cherishes, not always out of necessity, but often guided by instinct and the simple joy of stumbling upon unexpected finds. Above all, she treasures time spent with loved ones, finding meaning in shared laughter, simple moments and memories that linger long after.Read More

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