Shipping companies will decide when the Strait of Hormuz is truly open—not the U.S. or Iran—and the latest deal is already sowing confusion

The U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran later claimed it was closed again, citing Israeli attacks and U.S. 'bad faith.' The U.S. insists the strait remains open, with increased shipping traffic, while Iran's new authority mandates specific routes and insurance requirements. Shipping companies, not governments, ultimately determine the strait's operational status.