President Donald Trump announced the US deal with Iran and declared the "opening" of the Strait of Hormuz, but BBC Verify analysis shows only seven vessels have passed through since the announcement, with about 580 ships waiting in the Gulf. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.

Tehran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supplies are usually transported, following US and Israeli strikes on 28 February. Experts say there are three significant obstacles preventing traffic from returning to pre-conflict levels: security, mines, and tolls.

Security concerns

MarineTraffic data shows more than 250 tankers and over 330 cargo ships inside the Gulf. About 75% of tankers are stationary. Satellite imagery shows many gathered near major oil export terminals in Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the UAE. The total number is likely higher as many ships are not broadcasting their location.

"The first thing we would probably see when traffic picks up through the strait is an exodus of the vessels that are trapped inside the Gulf," said Naveen Das, senior oil analyst at Kpler. But so far, that does not appear to be happening.

"It would take an extremely brave captain to transit through the Strait of Hormuz, given the current state," Martin Kelly of EOS Risk Group told BBC Verify.

Since late February, Iran has fired on ships attempting to cross without permission. The US imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports on 13 April and has disabled nine "non-compliant vessels". Trump announced the "immediate removal" of the blockade but later said it would remain until the deal is signed.

Mine threat

Iran threatened to place "various types of sea mines, including floating mines" if its coastline or islands were attacked. The Joint Maritime Information Center and Oman's Maritime Security Centre have warned about "floating" objects. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Iran had "mined large segments of Hormuz".

Arsenio Dominguez, secretary general of the International Maritime Organization, said mine removal is essential. Experts say clearing the strait could take 30 days to six months. "We simply do not know and this lack of clarity is very concerning," said Phillip Belcher from the International Association of Independent Tanker Owners.

The southern route, close to Oman, appears largely clear of mines. Minesweepers will move at two to three knots to survey underwater environments. The UK and France have despatched naval vessels to the region.

Toll issue

Iran plans to charge tolls for passage, adding costs for ship owners. No one wants to be first. "We've been seeing a wait-and-see mentality. No-one really wants to be the first to take that risk," said Das. Some risk-tolerant owners, like certain Greek companies, may transit successfully and build confidence.

Many captains remember early April when Iran's foreign minister declared the strait fully open. The next day, Iranian authorities said it was closed, forcing over 33 vessels to reverse course, with several reporting being fired on.

"We need to wait a couple of days, maybe until Friday, to see what this looks like," said Martin Kelly. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged on Tuesday that the UK will play its "full part" in reopening the Strait of Hormuz "as soon as possible".