The three ships transiting are particularly interesting because they are the largest type of oil tankers and the first LNG carrier to escape the gulf since the war began. 

The allegations add another point of tension between the U.S. and China ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled visit to Beijing in May.

Iran and Oman are believed to be collaborating to draft policies that would facilitate and ensure safe passage for ships moving through the strait.

The U.S. was notably not invited to the talks, with President Trump having frequently distanced the U.S. from key allies over the span of the conflict in Iran.

Only one Turkish-owned ship has received permission to pass through Hormuz since the start of the conflict.

The national U.S. average reached $4 a gallon on March 30, the highest mark the country has seen since August of 2022.

Countries short of oil as a result of the Hormuz closure should either buy from the U.S. or “go to the Strait and TAKE IT,” Trump said.

While Trump has said it would be “an easy Military Operation,” European defense officials have warned it would be an incredibly complex and dangerous task. 

Iran clarified this week that ships from “hostile” nations are barred from navigating the strait, but overall maritime traffic remains all but halted, tracking shows. 

A toll and promises of safe passage raise complicated questions for the shipping industry, eager to rescue crews and cargoes stuck in the Persian Gulf.