Hormuz shipping caught between conflicting U.S. and Iranian orders

The Strait of Hormuz has reopened to shipping, but cargo owners are now trapped between two incompatible sets of instructions, according to a Financial Times report. Iran says vessels must obtain explicit approval from Tehran before crossing and must stay close to the Iranian coast, warning that violations could bring penalties or force ships to turn back.

The United States and some Western insurers are telling ship operators to do the opposite, sail along the Omani side of the strait, where they say American air cover protects maritime traffic. That puts carriers in a high-risk dilemma, because following the U.S. guidance could lead to seizure by Iran or other hostile action, while following Iran's rules could expose them to U.S. sanctions.

The article says the Tehran-backed body created to manage ship transits is already under U.S. sanctions. A cargo insurance broker described the situation bluntly, saying, “everything is going to end in tears,” and warned it is only a matter of time before “the next explosion” in Hormuz.

Despite the standoff, traffic through the strait is rising sharply. More than 30 ships passed through the shipping lane in the past 24 hours, the busiest period recorded there since the war began on February 28. The report also says Iran is expected to demand transit fees from all ships after 60 days, with American approval.