Iran reversed its stance on the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it would reassert strict control after initially allowing commercial passage. This abrupt shift has caused chaos, with ships turning back amid reports of attacks. Two vessels—a tanker and container ship—were hit, prompting global concerns over maritime safety. Maersk, a major shipping giant, suspended transits through the strait, citing security risks. CMA CGM, a French shipping company, rerouted multiple vessels, including an Indian-flagged container ship, after Iranian forces allegedly forced them to reverse course. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, operating independently of Iran’s navy, was implicated in the attacks. India, whose ships were targeted, condemned the incidents, summoning Iran’s ambassador.

Maritime analysts warn that the crisis could disrupt oil flows and raise insurance costs, though the cease-fire between Israel and Lebanon remains fragile. Kpler, a maritime data firm, noted a slight uptick in transits before the attacks, but Signal reported only an average of one ship daily passing through the strait in recent days. Lynsey Chutel, a Times reporter, highlighted that the strait’s danger zone status hinges on the next 72 to 96 hours of tanker movements.