8 Ships Turn Back in Hormuz, Iran Insists on Right to Manage Strait

2026-07-04T14:31:56.950Z

Maritime tracking data showed that at least 8 ships turned back near the Strait of Hormuz between Friday and Saturday after approaching Ras Musandam, while other ships continued to transit through a route closer to Iranian shores, as Tehran insists on its right to manage the strait and US support for the Omani coastal route continues.

At least 8 ships turned back between Friday and Saturday after attempting to leave the Arabian Gulf via the route adjacent to the Omani coast, in the latest indication that reopening the Strait of Hormuz remains complicated due to Iran's efforts to assert control over this vital waterway.

Maritime tracking data showed that these ships, which included oil tankers, cargo ships, and vehicle carriers, were heading towards Hormuz, and some reached the Ras Musandam area overlooking the strait before making sharp turns and turning back, according to what was reported by an agency.