Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint

The status of the world's most vital energy corridor is mired in confusion as Tehran and Washington issue contradictory statements.

Iran is reportedly seeking to impose new tolls, potentially in cryptocurrency, for vessels transiting the strait.

Only a handful of tankers have successfully passed through since the truce began, with many shipowners and insurers remaining wary of safe passage.

The continued disruption threatens to prolong the global energy crisis despite the temporary cessation of direct bombing.