After the United States and Iran reached a temporary agreement last month to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prolong a cease-fire, President Donald Trump urged vessels worldwide to begin moving oil through the waterway. However, in the weeks since, traffic has been inconsistent and fragile, with fighting continuing. Trump has since declared the cease-fire effectively over. Mediators are working to salvage talks, but face opposing pressures: Trump wants rapid resumption of shipping to relieve energy shortages ahead of US elections, while Tehran aims to retain its strategic advantage by controlling the strait. Recent clashes include Iranian attacks on tankers near Oman, and Washington has canceled a waiver allowing Iranian oil sales. The future of the cease-fire and negotiations remains uncertain.