The Strait of Hormuz remains in a state of disruption after a weekend of escalations that saw ships come under gunfire, a US seizure of an Iranian-flagged vessel, and mounting confusion over transit rules. Commercial movement through the critical oil route has turned chaotic, with vessels reversing course, drifting near the chokepoint, or attempting passage amid conflicting instructions and warnings.
The latest flashpoint, including Washington’s first interception of a vessel since enforcing a naval blockade, has added a new layer of direct confrontation at sea, even as reports of ships being targeted and turned back raise fresh doubts over whether the route is effectively open.
