Tankers Exit Gulf via Hormuz as Iran Imposes Conditional Transit Rules

18/04/2026

TEHRAN, April 18: A convoy of oil and gas tankers has departed the Persian Gulf and crossed the Strait of Hormuz, according to vessel tracking data on Saturday, signaling a cautious resumption of maritime movement through the key shipping route. Data from MarineTraffic showed the group included four liquefied petroleum gas carriers along with several oil product and chemical tankers, with additional vessels following behind.

Meanwhile, Iran said the strait remains open only under the current ceasefire and on a conditional basis. Defense ministry spokesperson Reza Talaei-Nik stated that transit is restricted, with military vessels and ships linked to what Tehran describes as hostile forces barred from passage. He emphasized that the arrangement is temporary and could be reversed, particularly if pressure escalates on the Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The developments highlight the fragile nature of maritime access through one of the world’s most critical energy corridors amid ongoing regional tensions.