Iran reopens the Strait of Hormuz? Trapped sailors: arrived at the mouth of the strait and stopped again, radio announcement still closed.

Local time, the afternoon of April 17, Iranian Foreign Minister Aragchi announced on social media that Iran has opened the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial ships during the ceasefire agreement reached between Lebanon and Israel. U.S. President Trump subsequently confirmed Iran's announcement of opening the Strait of Hormuz, stating, "Iran has agreed to no longer close the Strait of Hormuz." However, he mentioned that the U.S. will continue to enforce maritime blockades against Iran until a comprehensive agreement is reached. The news caused international oil prices to plummet, with WTI crude oil futures for May nearing $80 per barrel and Brent crude oil futures for June hitting $86 per barrel, with intraday declines exceeding 13%. However, as the first batch of ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz were turned away, international oil prices began to rebound. First fleet attempts to pass but is turned away In the evening of April 17, local time, a fleet of about 20 multi-type commercial ships led by the cargo ship "ROYA" started to sail towards the Strait of Hormuz at a speed of 12 knots. Some ships anchored outside Dubai also received the message, prepared their vehicles, and waited for further instructions from the shipowners. Until 8:46 p.m. local time, crew member Chen Kang (pseudonym) received the latest notification from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy: the Strait of Hormuz is still closed. "Please be aware, all ships in the Persian Gulf and Oman Gulf, this is a call from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy on channel 16," the other party said. "We will open the strait according to the orders of our leader Khomeini, not based on certain people's tweets. If you want to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, you must obtain permission from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy in advance." Chen Kang told the reporter of "Daily Economic News" that those ships that had anchored were ready to move because they had seen the news saying they could pass through, but if they couldn't, they would return. At 10 p.m. on April 17, crew member Zhang Chu (pseudonym), who was prepared to sail at any moment, updated the latest status on social media, stating that he and the surrounding ships had not yet moved. A large number of oil investors in his live broadcast room inquired about passage conditions, with Zhang Chu indicating that it would take five to six hours to sail from Dubai anchorage to the strait's entrance, and ships already anchored might be sent back. He advised everyone to be patient. "We rushed over but then stopped, at the entrance of the strait," said crew member Xu Chao (pseudonym) to the reporter, indicating that they would be leaving in the next two days if everything was ready. At 10:30 p.m. local time, according to AIS ship data, the first batch of ships heading towards the strait began to turn their bows. In the early morning of April 18, Xu Chao updated his status, stating that many ships were still unable to depart. Everyone was joyfully preparing their ships to sail yesterday, only to be turned back before entering the strait. Ships gradually turn their bows Shipping industry remains cautious According to CCTV News, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy Command announced the new regulations for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. First, civilian ships can only pass through the designated route specified by Iran. Second, military ships are still prohibited from passing through the strait. Third, all ships must obtain permission from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Navy for their navigation. This new regulation is in line with the temporary ceasefire agreement between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, as well as the ceasefire agreement between Lebanon (and Israel). As of 9 a.m. on April 18, according to Shipview data, no ships have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, many shipping companies are maintaining a cautious attitude. German shipping company Hamburg said they will not pass through the strait for the time being while evaluating the situation. A spokesperson for the company stated in an email: "We are now evaluating the new situation and the associated risks. Therefore, we will not pass through the strait at the moment." The CEO of the Norwegian Shipowners' Association stated, "The situation in the Strait of Hormuz has not yet been resolved, with several unresolved uncertainties, including the presence of mines, Iran's conditions, and practical implementation issues. Before assessing any transit, these aspects need to be clarified." Danish shipping company Maersk said in a statement, "Since the conflict broke out, we have been following the guidance of regional security partners, and the advice so far has been to avoid transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Any decision to transit will be based on risk assessment and close monitoring of the security situation, incorporating the latest developments into the ongoing evaluation." The reporter noted that among the first batch of ships heading to the Strait of Hormuz, there are several Da Fei ships such as "CMA CGM EVERGLADE" still moving at low speed, waiting for the opportunity to pass through the strait's entrance. This article is reprinted from "Daily Economic News"; GMTEight editor: Yan Wencai.