US-Iran Negotiation Details: Over 400 Vessels Await Passage in Strait of Hormuz

Key News on US-Iran War

(CNA London, 22nd, via Reuters) The Financial Times reported that over 400 large oil tankers are currently gathered near the Strait of Hormuz, with shipowners and operators awaiting the finalization of details from US-Iran negotiations and the full reopening of the strait.

Although the US and Iran have signed a framework for a final agreement, the recovery of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz remains slow due to security concerns, mine clearance, and strict Iranian controls. However, many tanker operators are unwilling to move their vessels and prefer to wait in place for further concrete results from the US and Iran.

The UK's Financial Times, after analyzing satellite data from the European Space Agency, found that 441 large oil tankers are currently gathered near Sohar and Fujairah, which are the main ports near the Strait of Hormuz.

Radar satellite Sentinel-1 flew over the strait at approximately 14:15 GMT on the 21st and observed the situation.

Several shipping companies stated that they are gathering their vessels in locations close to the gulf, so they can pass through as soon as the strait is fully reopened.

Compared to April, when the US began blockading the Strait of Hormuz, the current gathering of over 400 ships represents a significant increase.

Iran and the US held detailed negotiations in Switzerland on the 21st, continuing into the early morning of the 22nd. A US official stated that the talks included "establishing deconfliction mechanisms" to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains fully open.

In the past week, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz has seen a surge, indicating growing confidence among ship operators, who are willing to undertake the high-risk voyage even before the details of the agreement are finalized.

Iran previously stated that there is a 60-day grace period in the Strait of Hormuz, after which they may require vessels to pay a transit fee in some form.

This morning, four Qatari liquefied natural gas (LNG) carriers passed through the Strait of Hormuz, marking the largest number of LNG carriers to pass since the outbreak of the US-Iran war on February 28th. (Compiled by Ji Jin-ling) 1150623

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