Largest tanker operator doubts US-Iran deal: Strait of Hormuz flow may take ‘weeks’ or ‘a month’ to resume

Published 16 June 2026 · india

The head of the world’s biggest tanker operator warned that shipowners will not resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz for "weeks" until they are

The head of the world’s biggest tanker operator warned that shipowners will not resume transit through the Strait of Hormuz for "weeks" until they are confident that the US-Iran deal is “material.” Jotaro Tamura, chief executive of Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines, told the Financial Times that many operators would wait before restarting crossings despite the US-Iran deal to reopen the strait. "What will have to come in place is not just a simple agreement between the relevant countries, but it has to be material and translated into the real situations in the Strait of Hormuz, so that shipping lines can make themselves comfortable to go through," Mitsui OSK's Jotaro Tamura said in the interview published on Tuesday. Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 How long will it take for tanker operations to resume in the Strait of Hormuz after the US-Iran deal? ⌵ Tanker operations in the Strait of Hormuz may take 'weeks' or even 'a month' to resume, as shipowners are cautious and will wait until they are confident the deal is material. 2 What conditions must be met for shipping lines to feel comfortable resuming transit through the Strait of Hormuz?

⌵ Shipping lines need the US-Iran deal to be not just a simple agreement, but to be material and reflected in real situations, ensuring safety and confidence in transit. 3 Why are tanker operators hesitant to restart operations in the Strait of Hormuz despite the peace deal? ⌵ Tanker operators are hesitant because there have been multiple false starts in reopening the strait, and they need assurance of safety before restarting crossings. 4 What are the implications of President Trump's statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz? ⌵ President Trump's claims that the Strait of Hormuz is safe and toll-free highlight a divergence from industry skepticism, as many shippers still await additional clarity before resuming operations. 5 What is the status of the US-Iran deal's impact on oil supply in relation to the Strait of Hormuz? ⌵ The US-Iran deal aims to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane for global oil supply, but actual oil supply normalization may not occur until late July due to logistical challenges. Also Read | What does the reopening of Strait of Hormuz mean for the Indian stock market?

Tamura noted that there had been multiple false starts over the waterway’s reopening since the Middle East conflict erupted in late February. “Given the experiences in the last couple of months, I think it’s reasonable to assume that it may take at least a couple of weeks or if not a month,” he was quoted as saying. What has Trump said on opening of Strait of Hormuz Tamura's made the remarks despite US President Donald Trump saying that there is a “safe, secure and pristine” route through the strait. "Ships are starting to move, many loaded up with Oil, out of the Strait of Hormuz. They are going along the Southern “Highway,” which is totally safe, secure, and pristine. There are other areas of travel, also!!!," Trump posted on TRUTH Social on Monday. In a series of posts, Trump claimed that the deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is "now complete." He also "fully authorize[d] the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize[d] the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade." He said, "Ships of the World, start your engines.