"The MoU addresses the strait, but doesn't fully clarify what the status is going to be moving forward," said Gregory Brew, senior Iran analyst at the Eurasia Group.
He explained that Tehran is seeking to institutionalize permanent influence over the global shipping channel, adding, "The Iranians are trying to push their luck and see how far their leverage can extend and the US is pushing back."
The Joint Maritime Information Center continues to conduct mine clearance operations in the central lanes, advising commercial operators to utilize the southern Omani corridor to avoid active underwater explosives.
The Persian Gulf Strait Authority stated, "No vessel is permitted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without a valid passage permit issued by the PGSA."
Industry monitors from EOS Risk Group noted that commercial compliance remains split, as some shipowners hesitate to apply for permits from the sanctioned Iranian authority.
"We saw tankers passing along the southern corridor at the end of last week and then when Iran declared the strait closed again on Saturday 20 June the transits stalled," said Jemima Shelley, research analyst at United Against Nuclear Iran.
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Despite the volatile environment, commercial operations partially persisted as the CMA CGM Galapagos container ship successfully exited the northern route on Sunday morning.
