Several merchant vessels have reported gunfire incidents while attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, underscoring persistent risks to commercial shipping despite claims that the route is open.
Shipping sources said the incidents occurred as vessels tried to pass through the narrow waterway, which has been at the centre of escalating tensions linked to the ongoing regional conflict.
According to maritime sources, ships navigating Hormuz reported shots being fired nearby, though it remains unclear who was responsible for the incidents or whether any vessels were directly hit.
The reports have heightened concerns among shipping companies and insurers, many of whom remain cautious about resuming normal operations in the region.
The developments come even as Iran has declared the strait “open" to commercial shipping during a ceasefire. However, Iranian authorities have also imposed strict conditions on transit, including mandatory permissions and designated routes.
At the same time, the United States continues to maintain a naval blockade targeting Iran, contributing to a complex and tense security environment.
Before the crisis, more than 130 vessels passed through Hormuz daily, but traffic has dropped sharply in recent weeks as threats, restrictions and uncertainty discouraged transit.
Hundreds of tankers remain stranded in the Gulf, with operators weighing the risks of moving through the strait against rising costs and delays.
The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil supply, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Even isolated incidents such as warning shots or nearby gunfire can have an outsized impact by raising insurance premiums, delaying shipments and increasing volatility in oil prices.
Analysts say the latest reports highlight how fragile the situation remains. While diplomatic efforts and ceasefire arrangements have eased immediate fears of a full closure, the presence of armed forces, restrictions and sporadic incidents continues to pose risks.
For now, Hormuz remains technically open — but far from secure — as commercial vessels navigate one of the world’s most sensitive maritime flashpoints.
