US-Iran deal/Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increase significantly

2026-06-19 21:44:00, Kosova & Bota CNA

Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz increased significantly on Friday after the United States and Iran signed a ceasefire agreement.

Meanwhile, Gulf producers are preparing to increase exports despite concerns over conditions imposed by Tehran for the use of this vital sea route.

Washington and Tehran released the text of a memorandum of understanding signed on Wednesday to end the conflict, while US President Donald Trump warned that attacks could resume if Iran does not adhere to the agreement.

At least four tankers carrying crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied gas entered the strait on Friday, heading for Gulf ports in Iraq, according to MarineTraffic data.

A Japanese-owned oil tanker emerged from the strait after being delayed by the war and was heading for Japan.

On Thursday, 25 commercial crossings were recorded through Hormuz - the highest daily number since April 18 and more than five times the daily average for the first 10 days of June, according to AXS Marine data.

Traffic flow in Hormuz remains well below the pre-conflict level of around 120 crossings per day.

Meanwhile, the United States officially lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday.

"Marines should be advised of the existence of mines and expect a naval presence as clearance operations continue," the US Navy-led Naval Information Center said Thursday evening.

She advised ships to avoid the traffic separation scheme due to the risk of mines.

This scheme, approved by the United Nations maritime transport agency in 1968, established shipping corridors through Iranian and Omani waters in the strait.

"The risks range from the risk of mines ... to a blockade in the Middle East Gulf if tensions escalate and Iran blocks Hormuz again ," said shipping broker Braemar.

"The agreement ... opens the possibility for Iran to impose tariffs for managing transit in Hormuz after 60 days."

Meanwhile, Switzerland said US-Iran talks on a broader peace pact would not take place on Friday, while US Vice President JD Vance cancelled a planned visit, highlighting the uncertainty over a lasting solution.

Iran signaled tighter control over maritime transport, with state television reporting that ships must coordinate with the Revolutionary Guard navy for transit.

British maritime security firm Ambrey said Iranian forces ordered a Hong Kong-flagged tanker and a St. Kitts and Nevis-flagged cargo ship to turn back on Thursday.

In an undated notice circulated in the maritime industry in the last 24 hours and seen by Reuters, Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority said that "no ship is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the PGSA."

The PGSA, which describes itself as the sole body authorized to issue permits, also said it reserves the right to set insurance rates, requiring shipowners to obtain and renew insurance coverage.

The shipping industry has opposed any system of fees or taxes that would be imposed on what they consider an international waterway.

Meanwhile, a fleet of 10 loaded Iranian supertankers, carrying about 20 million barrels of oil, was sailing from Iran's Chabahar anchorage in the Gulf of Oman and heading toward Asia, likely to Chinese refineries, according to an analysis by the US group United Against a Nuclear Iran, which monitors Iran-linked tanker traffic. /REL