The US Navy diverted a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman during an operation targeting ships linked to Iranian ports. CENTCOM said the mission did not block the Strait of Hormuz, and commercial traffic not bound for Iran continued to move freely through regional waterways.
Iran said it had restored strict military control over the Strait of Hormuz in response to the US blockade of its ports, disrupting tanker traffic and prompting a diplomatic protest from India.
Iran said the Strait of Hormuz is open to commercial shipping for the remaining Lebanon ceasefire period, easing pressure after more than six weeks of disruption.
Energy and shipping costs kept rising after the Jones Act waiver took effect, as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continued to lift oil prices, freight rates and insurance costs.
Boskalis and Van Oord have voluntarily repatriated employees and families from the Middle East after war broke out in the region, while other Dutch companies and Shell also moved non-essential staff.
COSCO has reopened Gulf container bookings, but Hormuz controls, stranded ships and weaker freight rates show pressure remains across the regional shipping market.
China called for de-escalation in the Middle East as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply, Chinese-linked shipping slowed, and concerns grew over energy imports and export demand.
CMA CGM is deploying alternative cargo corridors through the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Oman to keep Gulf logistics moving without relying on the Strait of Hormuz.
The International Maritime Organization said about 3,200 ships carrying around 20,000 seafarers are confined west of the Strait of Hormuz ahead of an emergency council meeting in London on 18–19 March 2026 as attacks on merchant vessels continue across the Gulf region.
