-- At least eight oil tankers moved toward the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared it open, signaling early confidence in the resumption of shipping, according to a Bloomberg analysis on Friday.
Five tankers that had been anchored near Dubai began entering the waterway shortly after Iran's announcement, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
Three additional vessels located about 70 miles west of the strait also started heading toward Hormuz, indicating broader movement among ships previously waiting outside the chokepoint.
Hundreds of tankers have remained stranded in the Persian Gulf since the conflict began, with operators awaiting clarity on safety and transit conditions, the analysis added.
If sustained, the latest tanker movements could offer one of the clearest indications yet that non-Iran-linked shipping is resuming through Hormuz after weeks of disruption.
The closure of the strait had driven sharp increases in oil, fuel, and natural gas prices, while also forcing major regional producers to curb output, the analysis said.
Despite the renewed activity, Iranian media reports suggest restrictions may still apply, particularly targeting vessels or cargo linked to countries deemed hostile.
Vessels and cargoes tied to countries deemed "hostile" would not be permitted to transit through the Strait of Hormuz under the current framework, the report added, citing Tasnim News Agency.
Fars News Agency, citing a source, said passage could be halted again if the US naval blockade continues, warning such actions would be treated as a breach of the ceasefire, the analysis said.