Shipping firms remain on edge after President Trump pledged U.S. guidance for vessels stuck in the Persian Gulf. The vague “Project Freedom” plan offered no concrete escort details, leaving owners wary of Iran’s threats. Even as the United Arab Emirates blamed Tehran for a drone strike on an ADNOC tanker, most captains refused to risk the strait.

Industry bodies stress that without Iranian coordination, any escorted convoy could spark renewed hostilities. Jakob P. Larsen of BIMCO warned that insurers and charterers are unlikely to back voyages unless costs drop and legal clarity improves. Analysts note that daily traffic has slipped to five ships, far below pre‑conflict levels, tightening an already fragile oil‑supply channel.

Oil prices bounced after the announcement, but the limited uptake of the U.S. offer underscores a market stuck in limbo. With roughly 20,000 mariners on 1,600 trapped vessels, the lack of a workable transit solution keeps global energy flows constrained and insurance premiums elevated.