Iran’s reopening of Strait of Hormuz: confusion surrounds as shipping stalls despite ceasefire

Confusion continues over the status of the Strait of Hormuz as the Iran war drags on, with shipping traffic still largely stalled despite claims the route has reopened.

Both Iran and US Presidnet Donald Trump have said the waterway is open but data suggests little has changed on the ground.

According to CBC, marine traffic through the strait, a key global trade route, remained minimal on Friday.

Around 20 vessels began moving toward the channel but soon stopped or turned back, with no clear explanation. As of early Saturday, ships were still clustered on either side of the narrow passage.

The uncertainty comes amid fragile ceasefires. A two-week truce between the US and Iran began on April 7, while a separate 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon was announced recently.

Iran has said shipping could resume as long as hostilities remain paused, but the US naval blockade remains in place.

Trump said Iran "has removed or is in the process of removing all sea mines it had placed in the strait," but there has been no confirmation from Tehran. Officials have warned clearing mines could take weeks.

Meanwhile, shipping firms remain cautious, as Knut Arild Hareide told CBC that there are "a number of outstanding uncertainties" about reopening.