The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments, is facing significant disruptions due to escalating tensions between the United States and Iran. Maritime security expert Jennifer Parker indicates that shipping firms are deterred from using the strait not because it is closed, but due to high risks stemming from recent Iranian threats and attacks on merchant vessels. Parker emphasizes that a US naval presence and clear assurances regarding safety, including mine clearance, are essential to restore confidence among shipping operators. Despite US President Donald Trump's claims that the strait is open, political assurances have proven inadequate, leading to a drastic drop in shipping traffic from approximately 130 daily transits to just a handful. The collapse of recent negotiations between Washington and Tehran, which aimed to secure a ceasefire, has further complicated the situation, with both sides blaming each other for the failure. As tensions rise, Brent crude prices are projected to spike towards $110–$130 per barrel if the situation escalates further. Parker suggests a two-step approach to restoring shipping traffic: reducing threats and rebuilding confidence through international cooperation and visible naval deployments.