Nearly 600 ships wait near Hormuz as reopening plan faces doubts
What's next: Even if traffic resumes June 19, mines, insurance and security risks could keep oil and LNG flows below normal.
Shipowners and traders are holding back after the United States and Iran outlined a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, with nearly 600 vessels waiting to leave the Persian Gulf and hundreds more idling outside. President Donald Trump said the waterway would reopen on June 19 when the agreement is signed, but shipping companies said they need details before judging whether passage is safe. Early June 15 traffic was minimal, aside from the LNG tanker Disha heading toward Hormuz. Operators are weighing hazards including possible mines, narrow transit lanes, insurance questions and the risk of renewed Iranian attacks or seizures after earlier failed agreements.