A rare breakthrough has emerged in the tense waters of the Strait of Hormuz, as a French container vessel and a Japanese-linked LNG tanker successfully completed crossings, marking the first known transits by Western-associated ships since Iran effectively shut the route amid conflict with the United States and Israel.
The CMA CGM Kribi, operated by French shipping giant CMA CGM, sailed through hugging Iran’s coastline, while a tanker linked to Mitsui OSK Lines also made the passage via an emerging route near Oman. Until now, traffic had dwindled to a trickle, largely limited to vessels tied to countries on friendly terms with Tehran.
The crossings hint at a possible easing of restrictions, though it remains unclear whether this shift stems from quiet diplomacy by France and Japan or behind-the-scenes negotiations by shipping firms. Both governments have recently pushed for a ceasefire, with Emmanuel Macron stressing that reopening the strait depends on an end to hostilities.
Iran’s tightening grip on the vital corridor is still evident, with reports of transit fees and controlled routes shaping a new reality for global shipping. For now, these crossings offer a glimmer of movement in a waterway critical to the world’s oil and gas supply, but uncertainty continues to loom.