After Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on X on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz was “completely open,” a tanker stuck in the Persian Gulf immediately lifted anchor and began heading for the narrow waterway.
The ship believed it had permission to cross as part of a deal to get Indian ships out, its owner told Bloomberg, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive information. The vessel was communicating with Indian officials via a WhatsApp group and over email. As the ship neared Iran, it picked up a recorded message saying that the strait was blocked, but its Indian contacts said it was clear to pass. Then, as it got within around 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of the Iranian coast, it was hailed by the Iranian navy and told to turn around.
Araghchi’s statement, coupled with announcements by US President Donald Trump that the vital maritime chokepoint was open, kicked off a chaotic 24 hours as operators tested the openness of the strait, according to ship owners, agents and security consultants, who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity in order to discuss sensitive issues.
While a small number of vessels did make it through the waterway on Saturday, most others turned around and abandoned their attempts. By Sunday, observed transits had ground to a halt, and the US Navy fired on and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel, the first since their blockade began — slamming shut the brief window of opportunity.
At least 135 million barrels of crude and refined products are held on tankers stuck in the Persian Gulf, according to ship tracking data compiled by Bloomberg.
The past two days have been marked by confusion in the Persian Gulf as ships tried to interpret a succession of mixed messages. Iranian media reported that its military would refuse passage for ships linked to “enemy” states. Tehran said that its conditions for keeping the strait open included an end to a US blockade on its shipping, which the US said would remain in place. US officials are scheduled to leave for Islamabad on Monday for talks, but Iran has said it does not see “a clear prospect” for productive negotiations.
In the region, crews simply struggled to understand whether they were being granted passage or not.
“This wasn’t expected,” the Indian officials told shipowners by WhatsApp, according to one owner who received the messages. “We have raised the issue with the highest authorities. If you are asked to stop, please stop and comply.”
India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Around noon on Saturday, several vessels again tried to make the crossing, having received indications from Iranian and Indian authorities that it would be safe to pass.
Among them was an Indian tanker. As it neared Larak Island off the Iranian coast, it was approached by small boats carrying men armed with guns and rocket propelled grenades, according to two people with knowledge of the situation. Shots were fired from the boats.