President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz was effectively open again following a peace agreement with Iran, encouraging global shipping to resume operations.However, conditions in the strategically important waterway remain far from normal.

According to reports, approximately 1,500 vessels, including many oil tankers, are still waiting in the Persian Gulf for authorization to transit the area.Maritime traffic had fallen dramatically during the recent U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran after Iranian forces reportedly attacked ships with drones and missiles and deployed naval mines in the Strait.U.S.military officials confirmed that mine-clearing operations are underway and that an alternative shipping route near Oman has been established.The United Kingdom and France have joined these efforts, contributing naval and aerial assets to improve security.

American officials expressed optimism that traffic volumes could increase significantly in the coming days, potentially allowing the full reopening of the Strait within days and a return to normal shipping conditions within a month.

Nevertheless, shipping industry representatives remain cautious, arguing that sustained evidence of safety will be required before companies fully restore operations.Another unresolved issue concerns potential navigation charges.

While Trump and Vice President JD Vance have stated that passage through the Strait should remain free, Iranian officials have suggested the possibility of imposing service-related fees.Legal experts note that international law generally does not permit coastal states to charge vessels merely for transiting a natural waterway.

As a result, both the security situation and the economic terms governing future transit through the Strait of Hormuz remain uncertain despite the announced agreement.