President Donald Trump announced that the Strait of Hormuz is open again, despite ongoing disputes over access. The reopening is a crucial part of the deal to resolve the Iran conflict.
On Truth Social, Trump noted that maritime traffic through the strait has resumed, although it hasn’t yet returned to pre-conflict levels. Restoring access to this vital waterway, which sees the passage of one-fifth of the world’s hydrocarbons, was vital in ending the Iran war.
While shipping companies are cautious due to conflicting reports and potential mine threats, Trump revealed that Iran agreed to extensive nuclear inspections. This inspection agreement addressed one of the main causes of the war starting on February 28.
Trump stated, “Based on this and other major concessions made by Iran, I have agreed to allow the Hormuz Strait to remain OPEN, with no further Naval Blockade.” However, he mentioned that naval forces are on standby, should reinstating the blockade become necessary, which he specified seems unlikely now.
Coordinated Efforts and Challenges
On Sunday, the deal included measures for U.S. and Iranian teams to establish communication to prevent military incidents as commercial ships navigate the strait. Yet, Iranian state outlets declared this arrangement affirms their sovereignty, requiring vessel coordination with Iran.
Although Iran claimed to have closed the strait in response to purported Israeli ceasefire breaches in Lebanon, data showed that 25 vessels navigated through it from Sunday to Monday, with additional traffic observed on Tuesday.
Iran’s signals to levy charges on strait traffic conflict with international maritime law. The current U.S.–Iran pact maintains the waterway as toll-free for at least 60 days, but post this period, U.S. policy remains undefined.
A hotline was established under the U.S.–Iran agreement to minimize misunderstandings. Iran’s chief negotiator, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, confirmed this. Additionally, Iran and Oman established a joint committee for dialogue over the strait. Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi reiterated their mutual commitment to international law and toll-free, safe navigation.
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