Greek and Indian Tankers Reverse Before Hormuz on Iran Uncertainty

Five Greek and Indian oil tankers reversed course in the Persian Gulf on Saturday, halting transits before reaching the Strait of Hormuz following radio warnings broadcast in the area. The abrupt U-turns signal that shipowners are treating Iran's messaging on Hormuz access as operationally unreliable, even absent a formal closure order. The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most critical oil chokepoint, handling roughly 20 percent of global petroleum flows. Iran has issued mixed signals on whether the strait will remain open, generating enough uncertainty to prompt immediate behavioral changes among operators without waiting for a definitive policy shift. The practical effect is a self-imposed traffic slowdown driven by risk aversion rather than a confirmed blockade. Markets and buyers dependent on Gulf crude shipments should watch whether additional vessels follow suit, whether Iran clarifies its position, and whether insurers respond by restricting or repricing coverage for Hormuz-bound transits in the near term.