Hormuz Reopens After MoU Signing: Chinese-Led First Movers Alongside Sanctioned Iran Tonnage in International Shipping News 22/06/2026 At a Glance • The U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed on June 17, and June 18 marked the first day of commercial reopening at the Strait of Hormuz. • 18 transits were recorded across the June 17 to 18 window, the highest single-window count of the conflict. • The first wave of commercial movers is predominantly Chinese-affiliated, with five of seven documented first movers Chinese-linked, alongside European, Japanese, and Saudi tonnage among the early departures. • Three Saudi-flagged supertankers carrying approximately six million barrels of crude transited the Strait dark in the hours following the signing. • Iran’s oil export network began reconstituting ahead of the signing, with three NITC vessels ending months-long dark periods at Chabahar on June 16 and six more sanctioned tankers transiting the Strait of Malacca westbound toward Iran. • More than 80 IRGC high-speed craft were observed moving in an unusual, undirected pattern through the Kharg Island waiting area, a behavior not previously recorded at this location. • The CMA CGM SAN ANTONIO remains stationary mid-Strait, held since being boarded and looted by IRGCN small craft in late May. Operational Overview The Strait of Hormuz is reopening. Following the June 17 signing of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the first commercial vessels stranded inside the Arabian Gulf since the war began transited the corridor on June 18. The June 17 to 18 window recorded 18 transits, the highest single-window count of the conflict. The first wave is predominantly Chinese-affiliated, with European, Japanese, and Saudi tonnage also among the early departures. The pattern of confidence is broadening beyond the highest-risk appetite shipowners. The lead-up to the signing showed a clear anticipatory pattern across both commercial and sanctioned traffic. Iran’s oil e