Hormuz flows may remain in limbo even after conflict ends: experts

Experts warn that the Strait of Hormuz may remain in a prolonged "gray zone" — neither fully open nor fully closed — due to Iran imposing transit tolls and US sanctions discouraging payment, creating a lasting suppression of shipping flows through the critical chokepoint. This structural disruption could permanently reduce traffic through the strait even after any potential conflict resolution, mirroring the unrecovered Red Sea flows following the US-Houthi deal.