Why is the Strait of Hormuz still a "war zone" despite the ceasefire?
2026-07-01 08:27:16
On Tuesday, June 30, unions and employers in the shipping industry jointly announced that they would continue to consider the Strait of Hormuz a war zone, despite the ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Iran, a designation that would remain in effect until at least July 9, 2026.
In a statement, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the joint negotiating team representing employers explained: "This decision acknowledges the significant and ongoing threat to the safety of seafarers in the region, while also taking into account the rapidly evolving situation on the ground."
This theater designation applies only to vessels owned by companies that have signed the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) collective bargaining agreement. According to the organization, the IBF agreement covers approximately 15,000 vessels worldwide.
According to regulations, seafarers protected by collective bargaining agreements will receive double their normal wages if they work in the relevant areas, and have the right to refuse to sail and request the company to bear the costs of their repatriation.
The Strait of Hormuz was first declared a war zone by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) on March 5, just four days after the first attack on a merchant ship in the area.
Since March 1, merchant shipping has been severely impacted by the Middle East conflict—Iran has launched a military offensive against the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for airstrikes by the United States and Israel. Before the conflict, approximately 20% of global oil product trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz; since the outbreak of the conflict, international energy prices have surged.
During the conflict, at least 14 crew members were killed and more than 40 vessels were attacked. The recent series of attacks has prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend its planned evacuation of the 11,000 crew members still stranded in the Gulf region.
Discussions regarding the designation of the war zone began as early as last week, predating the cargo ship attack that occurred last Thursday.
A source close to the discussions told the media, "If there hadn't been two more attacks on ships after last Thursday, and if merchant shipping had continued to operate normally, the situation assessment this week could have been different."
The joint committee responsible for determining theater-of-war status reviews the situation weekly. The source added that these regular meetings were suspended in early May, when it was clear the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had not improved.
The current ceasefire agreement stems directly from a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 17, after which the two sides entered a 60-day phase in order to reach a final peace agreement.
The core issues at the negotiations focused on were the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, and the return of Iran's frozen overseas assets.
However, the recent attacks launched by both sides, as well as Israel's ongoing military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon (which was included in the ceasefire at Tehran's request), pose a threat to the dialogue process.
The Strait of Hormuz, as a critical global energy corridor, directly impacts international shipping costs, energy prices, and supply chain stability. The ITF and IBF's designation of the Strait of Hormuz reflects the priority given to seafarers' rights by both employers and employees, but also reflects the enduring impact of geopolitical conflict on civilian maritime transport. Future developments depend on the progress of US-Iran negotiations and the degree of restraint among regional parties; the shipping industry needs to continuously monitor risks to optimize its operational strategies.
Q1: What specific rights do seafarers have under the Strait of Hormuz theater command designation?
A: Under the IBF Agreement, seafarers working in designated areas are entitled to double pay, have the right to refuse to sail without penalty, and can demand repatriation costs from their companies. These measures apply to approximately 15,000 contracted vessels and aim to balance commercial needs with personal safety. In practice, shipping companies are required to conduct risk assessments and provide sufficient information.
Q2: Why did the ceasefire agreement not immediately cancel the designation of the theater of operations?
A: Although the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 and entered a 60-day negotiation period, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve rapidly, with attacks still occurring recently. Based on independent security assessments, the ITF and JNG believe the threat has not been eliminated and have therefore extended their assessment until July 9, with weekly reviews to be implemented. This reflects the ILO's prudent protection of seafarers' lives, rather than relying entirely on political agreements.
Q3: What have been the casualties and economic impacts in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began?
A: Since early March, at least 14 crew members have died, more than 40 ships have been attacked, and the IMO has suspended large-scale evacuation operations. The strait accounts for approximately 20% of global oil trade; the conflict has caused energy prices to soar, ships to be stranded (at its peak, thousands), and global supply chains to be disrupted. Even after the ceasefire, traffic volume remains far below pre-war levels, highlighting the difficulty of long-term recovery.
Q4: How does the IBF's theater of operations designation differ from the role of the International Maritime Organization?
A: The IBF recognizes joint decisions made by the ITF and employers, focusing on seafarers' rights under labor agreements (such as wages and the right to refuse to sail); the IMO is responsible for global shipping safety standards, condemning attacks, and coordinating evacuations. The two complement each other: the IBF provides direct economic guarantees, while the IMO promotes diplomatic and relief frameworks.
Q5: What are the prospects for future negotiations and their impact on the shipping industry?
A: The core of the negotiations lies in the status of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear programs, and sanctions, facing external interference such as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Success could gradually open the shipping lanes and reduce risks; conversely, the designation or extension of the conflict zone could lead to increased insurance premiums, capacity shortages, and higher energy costs. Shipping companies need to diversify their routes, strengthen security, and closely monitor the weekly review results to cope with uncertainty.
In a statement, the International Transport Workers' Federation (ITF) and the joint negotiating team representing employers explained: "This decision acknowledges the significant and ongoing threat to the safety of seafarers in the region, while also taking into account the rapidly evolving situation on the ground."
Scope of application and protection of seafarers' rights
This theater designation applies only to vessels owned by companies that have signed the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) collective bargaining agreement. According to the organization, the IBF agreement covers approximately 15,000 vessels worldwide.
According to regulations, seafarers protected by collective bargaining agreements will receive double their normal wages if they work in the relevant areas, and have the right to refuse to sail and request the company to bear the costs of their repatriation.
Background of the conflict and statistics on casualties
The Strait of Hormuz was first declared a war zone by the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) on March 5, just four days after the first attack on a merchant ship in the area.
Since March 1, merchant shipping has been severely impacted by the Middle East conflict—Iran has launched a military offensive against the Strait of Hormuz in retaliation for airstrikes by the United States and Israel. Before the conflict, approximately 20% of global oil product trade passed through the Strait of Hormuz; since the outbreak of the conflict, international energy prices have surged.
During the conflict, at least 14 crew members were killed and more than 40 vessels were attacked. The recent series of attacks has prompted the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to suspend its planned evacuation of the 11,000 crew members still stranded in the Gulf region.
Evaluation Mechanism: Weekly Review and Negotiation Prospects
Discussions regarding the designation of the war zone began as early as last week, predating the cargo ship attack that occurred last Thursday.
A source close to the discussions told the media, "If there hadn't been two more attacks on ships after last Thursday, and if merchant shipping had continued to operate normally, the situation assessment this week could have been different."
The joint committee responsible for determining theater-of-war status reviews the situation weekly. The source added that these regular meetings were suspended in early May, when it was clear the situation in the Strait of Hormuz had not improved.
Uncertain future under the ceasefire agreement
The current ceasefire agreement stems directly from a memorandum of understanding signed by the US and Iran on June 17, after which the two sides entered a 60-day phase in order to reach a final peace agreement.
The core issues at the negotiations focused on were the future status of the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's nuclear program, the lifting of sanctions, and the return of Iran's frozen overseas assets.
However, the recent attacks launched by both sides, as well as Israel's ongoing military offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon (which was included in the ceasefire at Tehran's request), pose a threat to the dialogue process.
Editor's Summary
The Strait of Hormuz, as a critical global energy corridor, directly impacts international shipping costs, energy prices, and supply chain stability. The ITF and IBF's designation of the Strait of Hormuz reflects the priority given to seafarers' rights by both employers and employees, but also reflects the enduring impact of geopolitical conflict on civilian maritime transport. Future developments depend on the progress of US-Iran negotiations and the degree of restraint among regional parties; the shipping industry needs to continuously monitor risks to optimize its operational strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What specific rights do seafarers have under the Strait of Hormuz theater command designation?
A: Under the IBF Agreement, seafarers working in designated areas are entitled to double pay, have the right to refuse to sail without penalty, and can demand repatriation costs from their companies. These measures apply to approximately 15,000 contracted vessels and aim to balance commercial needs with personal safety. In practice, shipping companies are required to conduct risk assessments and provide sufficient information.
Q2: Why did the ceasefire agreement not immediately cancel the designation of the theater of operations?
A: Although the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17 and entered a 60-day negotiation period, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz continues to evolve rapidly, with attacks still occurring recently. Based on independent security assessments, the ITF and JNG believe the threat has not been eliminated and have therefore extended their assessment until July 9, with weekly reviews to be implemented. This reflects the ILO's prudent protection of seafarers' lives, rather than relying entirely on political agreements.
Q3: What have been the casualties and economic impacts in the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began?
A: Since early March, at least 14 crew members have died, more than 40 ships have been attacked, and the IMO has suspended large-scale evacuation operations. The strait accounts for approximately 20% of global oil trade; the conflict has caused energy prices to soar, ships to be stranded (at its peak, thousands), and global supply chains to be disrupted. Even after the ceasefire, traffic volume remains far below pre-war levels, highlighting the difficulty of long-term recovery.
Q4: How does the IBF's theater of operations designation differ from the role of the International Maritime Organization?
A: The IBF recognizes joint decisions made by the ITF and employers, focusing on seafarers' rights under labor agreements (such as wages and the right to refuse to sail); the IMO is responsible for global shipping safety standards, condemning attacks, and coordinating evacuations. The two complement each other: the IBF provides direct economic guarantees, while the IMO promotes diplomatic and relief frameworks.
Q5: What are the prospects for future negotiations and their impact on the shipping industry?
A: The core of the negotiations lies in the status of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear programs, and sanctions, facing external interference such as the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Success could gradually open the shipping lanes and reduce risks; conversely, the designation or extension of the conflict zone could lead to increased insurance premiums, capacity shortages, and higher energy costs. Shipping companies need to diversify their routes, strengthen security, and closely monitor the weekly review results to cope with uncertainty.
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