The future of about 40 ships related to Japan stranded in the Persian Gulf is becoming increasingly unpredictable, as the possibility of leaving the area through the Strait of Hormuz - the world's most important oil transport route - is still unclear.
The situation became more complicated after negotiations between the US and Iran in Islamabad failed. Immediately after that, the administration of US President Donald Trump deployed maritime blockades in the Hormuz Strait area from April 13, in order to increase pressure on Tehran.
This move quickly disrupted sea transport operations. According to maritime tracking data, some ships were forced to turn around when approaching the area, while traffic through the strait - which accounts for about 20% of global oil and gas traffic - sharply decreased, according to The Japan Times.
Tensions in the region have escalated since the end of February 2026, when conflicts between the US, Israel and Iran broke out, leading to Tehran restricting or strictly controlling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Transportation through this route once decreased by more than 90%, trapping hundreds of ships in the area.
In that context, Japanese-related ships are also heavily affected. At times, about 40-45 ships owned or operated by Japanese businesses are stuck in the Persian Gulf, although a few ships have tried to leave in the rare stages when the route is loosened control.
Before the US imposed a new blockade, Washington and Tehran reached a 2-week ceasefire agreement from April 7, raising expectations that maritime operations would gradually be restored. However, this expectation quickly vanished as tensions flared up again.
Shipping circles say security risks in the Strait of Hormuz are still very high. Many businesses, including Japanese shipping lines, are waiting for guidance from the government and further assessments of safety before deciding to move ships.
Not only affecting transportation, the crisis also strongly impacts the global energy market. Oil prices have exceeded the 100 USD/barrel mark after the US announced a freeze, reflecting concerns about the risk of prolonged supply disruptions.
Experts warn that if the blockade continues, the global supply chain may face more pressure, especially for economies dependent on energy imports from the Middle East such as Japan and many Asian countries.
Meanwhile, the risk of conflict spreading is still present. Iran has criticized the US actions and warned it will respond, raising concerns about a new spiral of escalation in the region, which plays a vital role in global energy trade.
In that context, the fate of the Japanese-related ships remains hanging, depending on geopolitical developments and the possibility of reopening the strategic transport route through the Strait of Hormuz.
