Iranian fishermen venture back to Hormuz despite fears of new fighting

Iranian fishermen have returned to the Strait of Hormuz despite fears of renewed fighting following the April 8 ceasefire. The 47-year-old Mohammad-Amin recounted his return to his boat near Bandar Abbas, where he mended a torn net after months of inactivity. Over three months, he had exhausted his savings and feared his boat would be destroyed.

Nearly a dozen fishermen were killed and 17 went missing during the conflict. The waterfront in Bandar Abbas suffered repeated strikes during the 40-day fighting despite the ceasefire. Over 2,000 fishermen lost fishing equipment, and many boats were damaged. Mohammad-Amin noted that nets often snag on wreckage, forcing frequent replacements.

Hossein, a 53-year-old fisherman, expressed his lack of choice, stating they had no alternative but to return to sea for survival. Bagher Abbaszadeh, whose boat supports his family, feared losing it entirely if hit by American forces. Abbaszadeh highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the conflict's end and Iran's control of the strategic waterway, which Iran insists it will retain.

Meanwhile, diplomats from Iran and Oman continue negotiations for an arrangement over the strait, with little information reaching the fishermen who rely on the Strait of Hormuz for their livelihood.