Two Ships Escape Hormuz Strait Under US Operation, But 850 Vessels Wait Amid Mine Fears

The recent US-led 'Operation Freedom' aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz has seen limited success, with only two American-flagged ships managing to pass through the critical waterway. While the US Central Command announced the successful transit and stated its destroyers are operating within the Persian Gulf to support the mission, the broader maritime community remains deeply concerned. The operation, involving over 100 aircraft and 15,000 personnel, has not instilled enough confidence to encourage the hundreds of vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf to resume passage.

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Two US-flagged merchant ships have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and are continuing their voyage safely.

Shipping companies and their crews are understandably cautious. Global shipping giant Maersk confirmed one of its vessels, the 'Alliance Fairfax', was offered US military protection for transit, which it accepted. However, the broader sentiment among the approximately 850 ships waiting is one of apprehension. Sasha Maier, General Secretary of the Nautilus International maritime union, voiced concerns about the effectiveness of the protection and the lingering threat of mines allegedly laid by Iran. The fear is that the US operation, intended to enhance security, could instead provoke further conflict and increase risks.

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The sailors trapped in the strait will be grateful for the protection offered to get their ships out. But is the protection certain? What about the mines?

This skepticism is amplified by Iran's own statements. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps has categorically denied that any commercial vessels have transited the strait in recent hours, labeling US claims as 'baseless lies.' This conflicting information creates a highly uncertain environment for maritime traffic. Tanker captains, like Raman Kapoor, have stated they will not risk their crew's lives without absolute certainty of safety, a process that involves extensive consultation and agreement among all personnel.

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I will not take the risk. As a captain, it is my duty to assess the situation. To attempt a departure, I must get agreement from all crew members that they are willing to risk their lives, and this is a long process.

From our perspective at Hankyoreh, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz highlights the persistent dangers of geopolitical friction on global trade. While the US asserts its commitment to freedom of navigation, the cautious approach of the international shipping industry underscores a lack of trust in the prevailing security conditions. The conflicting narratives from the US and Iran create a fog of uncertainty, making it difficult for commercial operators to make informed decisions. The presence of potential mines, as raised by union officials, adds a tangible threat that military escorts alone may not fully mitigate. This situation is a stark reminder that ensuring safe passage requires not only military presence but also a genuine de-escalation of tensions and clear, verifiable security assurances.

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In the last few hours, no commercial or oil tanker has passed through the Strait of Hormuz, and the claims of US officials... are baseless lies.