French and Japanese Ships Make First Major Strait of Hormuz Transits
In a significant development for global shipping, vessels linked to France and Japan have successfully transited the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The French-owned container ship, operated by CMA CGM, is reported to be the first major Western European vessel to make the crossing since the onset of the Iran war, with maritime tracking data confirming its passage. A Japanese-owned tanker, confirmed by shipping giant MOL, also completed the transit, with the company stating the safety of its crew and vessel had been secured. The transits follow a period where traffic through the chokepoint had practically halted due to regional tensions. A system had emerged where vessels, mostly from nations friendly to Tehran, were receiving pre-approval from Iran to transit along a specific route that hugged the Omani coast closely, a pattern also observed with these recent crossings. The successful passage of these commercial ships is being closely watched by the industry, as it could encourage other major carriers to resume operations if the corridor proves consistently reliable. This development coincides with diplomatic efforts, as Iran's deputy foreign minister announced the country is drafting a protocol with Oman aimed at securing traffic through the strait.
Prefer swipe-first reading?
Install the app to keep reading with faster loads and a smoother mobile experience.
Sources
French ship crosses Strait of Hormuz in first Western European transit during Iran war | Euronews
Its passage follows earlier successful ... ships. The news could encourage other carriers to resume operations if the corridor proves reliable in the coming days. ... On Thursday, Iran's deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi also announced that the country is drafting a protocol with Oman to secure traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, according ...
A Japanese ship carrying natural ... of Hormuz, Japanese shipping giant MOL confirmed. "The safety of the vessel and all crew members have been confirmed," MOL said. "We will continue to place the highest priority on ensuring the safety of our crew, cargo, and vessels as operations proceed." Several ships that made the journey through the strait on Thursday hugged "unusually close" to the coast of Oman, according to maritime news and intelligence ...
French ship becomes first western vessel allowed through Strait of Hormuz since start of Iran war after Macron blasts Trump for strategy and 'inelegant' remarks about wife Brigitte | Daily Mail Online
Get your news delivered straight to you by 7am - sign up to our new Morning Mail newsletter for FREE ... A French ship became the first western vessel allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz yesterday after Emmanuel Macron criticised Donald Trump.
Iran war: French and Japanese-owned ships make first Strait of Hormuz crossings | South China Morning Post
Traffic in the Strait of Hormuz has practically halted since the US and Israel attacked Iran, with just a trickle of ships able to make the crossing. Those have mostly been vessels associated with nations friendly to Tehran, with a system emerging whereby Iran preapproves transit along a route hugging close to its coast. The French ...
Essential news coupled with the finest maritime content sourced from across the globe. Sign Up Sign In ... A CMA CGM ship underway in the Suez Canal. File Photo: byvalet/Shutterstock ... By Weilun Soon and Samy Adghirni (Bloomberg) — A French container ship and a Japanese-owned tanker have crossed the Strait of Hormuz...
The CMA CGM vessel reportedly had last been in the Port of Jebel Ali in the UAE (Dubalia Government Media Office photo) Published Apr 3, 2026 2:44 PM by The Maritime Executive · Tracking services spotted that a French-owned containership was on the move and successfully made the transit of the Strait of Hormuz ...
Fact Checks
Related news
Gaza Famine Claims Eased But Crisis Remains Severe Amid Ongoing Conflict
The situation in Gaza has shown signs of improvement regarding food insecurity, with the world’s leading authority confirming that famine conditions have ended in parts of the territory. This reduction is attributed to decreased fighting and increased aid access, according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Despite these positive developments, monitoring organizations caution that the crisis is far from resolved. Experts warn that most families still lack adequate food, and two-thirds of Gazans may face acute hunger by the end of the year. The gains are deemed fragile, as high prices, aid uncertainty, and persistent hostilities continue to keep the enclave in a state of severe crisis.
US-Iran Conflict Escalates Amid Strikes, Threats, and Intelligence Tensions
The United States has launched a fresh barrage of strikes against Iran, leading to heightened tensions and political debate over military action. President Trump has warned of a major escalation as the conflict stretches into its thirteenth night, while Republican hawks urge him to unleash major combat operations. This renewed bombing campaign has occurred amid concerns over intelligence cooperation between the US and Iran, with Iranian officials warning that they will hold accountable any state aiding the United States in attacks. Furthermore, US forces are deploying drones against targets, and the US has indicated that damages to shipping could be covered using Iranian assets.
Nicaragua Parliament Moves to Abolish Elections Following Ortega's Ban
Nicaragua's parliament has moved to abolish elections, following President Daniel Ortega's decree that there would be no further electoral processes. This legislative action is intended to codify the decision and ensure the country's 'peace, security and stability,' reflecting Ortega's effort to extend his nearly two-decade rule and eliminate opposition chances. The move has drawn sharp condemnation from the international community. The United States accused Ortega of leading a dictatorship, while UN rights officials urged for the restoration of freedoms and the rule of law. Critics compare Ortega's actions to those of world strongmen, raising questions about why major powers are not responding with similar pressure.
Record Heat Wave Costs UK Economy Over $1.5 Billion and Strains European Infrastructure
A recent record-breaking heat wave across Europe has resulted in significant economic damage, with studies estimating the cost to the UK economy alone at over $1.5 billion. This financial toll includes lost working hours and highlights the urgent need for investment in climate adaptation measures. Beyond the financial impact, the extreme temperatures have strained critical infrastructure, pushing power plants to their limits and causing ecological damage, such as the death of certain trees. Furthermore, experts warn that the heat wave exposes systemic issues, including fragmented EU capital markets hindering energy transition financing and rising insurance costs that necessitate greater government intervention to protect consumers.
FIFA World Cup 2030 Set for Expansion and Six Host Nations
The FIFA World Cup 2030 is set to feature significant structural changes, including an expansion from 48 to 64 teams. This historic tournament will be hosted across six nations spanning three continents, according to official announcements and statements from football authorities. Reports indicate that this change has already been discussed publicly, with CONMEBOL president Alejandro Dominguez reportedly 'leaking' the proposal. Furthermore, specific nations like Portugal, Spain, and Morocco have been mentioned as potential hosts for the event. RTÉ has secured free-to-air broadcasting rights for the tournament, which will be hosted across Spain.
Victims Demand Restitution from Iran in Peace Deal Negotiations
A coalition of victims impacted by Iranian-sponsored terrorism has publicly urged the U.S. government, including President Trump and Congress, to mandate that Iran provide restitution before any financial agreements are finalized. These victims and their representatives have demanded that Iran pay reparations, emphasizing that funds must be returned or unfrozen before any peace deal is considered. The group also called for the administration to refill empty compensation funds with Iran's money, referencing agreements like the June 17 MOU.
Take Yomuyo with you
Download the mobile app for personalized headlines and quick access to breaking stories.