The Japanese oil tanker Idemitsu Maru has become the first to return to Japan through the Strait of Hormuz since war broke out in Iran.
The Idemitsu Maru reached Aichi on May 25, 2026.
According to The Japan Times, the vessel passed through the Strait of Hormuz on its return to Japan amid heightened tensions in the Middle East.
The arrival marks the first such transit since the outbreak of war in Iran.
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The U.S. military sank six Iranian small boats and defeated cruise missile and drone attacks in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, allowing two American-flagged merchant ships to complete a safe transit under President Trump's 'Project Freedom' initiative. Separate incidents included an explosion on a South Korean-operated vessel and Iranian missile and drone strikes on the UAE—the first since the early April ceasefire—with the UAE reporting interceptions and casualties.
A tanker loaded with crude oil from Russia's Sakhalin-2 project has arrived at a facility in Ehime Prefecture, Japan—the first such import since U.S.-Israeli strikes closed the Strait of Hormuz in February.
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Japanese, French and Omani vessels have crossed the Strait of Hormuz since Thursday, reflecting Iran's policy of allowing passage for ships it deems friendly without U.S. or Israeli links. Mitsui O.S.K. Lines' LNG tanker Sohar LNG became the first Japan-linked vessel to do so since the conflict began. Shipping data confirmed the transits amid ongoing tensions.
Foreign Minister Motegi said Tokyo has no immediate plans to seek arrangements for stranded Japanese vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Japan could consider minesweeping operations there if a ceasefire is reached.
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Iran returned the Strait of Hormuz to full military control on Saturday, just a day after announcing its reopening to commercial traffic during a U.S.-Iran ceasefire. The rapid reversal came amid persistent U.S. naval restrictions and low actual transits, heightening tensions in the key energy corridor.
Two vessels carrying Filipino seafarers safely exited the Strait of Hormuz on April 25, bringing the total number moved out of the high-risk area to nearly 1,200, following diplomatic assurances from Iran. The Department of Migrant Workers reported 36 Filipinos aboard these vessels, with 15 others remaining on two ships seized by Iranian forces.
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Iran said Friday that commercial vessels can again transit the Strait of Hormuz under routes coordinated with Iranian authorities for the duration of a ceasefire, a claim echoed by U.S. President Donald Trump. But shipping risks — including concerns over sea mines and unclear security conditions — have kept many operators cautious, even as the United States maintains a blockade on traffic to and from Iranian ports.