All ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz, but coordination with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is required, according to a senior Iranian official. Unfreezing Iranian funds is part of the agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi confirmed the strait is open after a ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. U. S. President Donald Trump expressed optimism that a deal to end the Iran war would happen soon, although the timing is uncertain.
Currently, hundreds of ships and 20,000 seafarers are stranded in the Gulf, which is vital as it accommodates about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas traffic. The Iranian official stated that transits would only be allowed in lanes deemed safe by Iran and military vessels are still banned from crossing. The official mentioned that the release of about $30 billion in Iranian funds, blocked due to U. S. sanctions, was part of the reopening agreement.
It is unclear if the established Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS) lanes for international shipping will remain included. U. S. vessels would be allowed to transit, but military ships would not. Certain routes through Hormuz will be open, but they must be recognized as secure by Iran.
Trump later claimed on Truth Social that the strait is fully open for passage, while noting that the U. S. military blockade on ships to and from Iranian ports remains in place. Iranian officials warned that if the blockade continues, it would be seen as a ceasefire violation, leading Iran to close the strait again.
Additionally, Iran has issued warnings about mines in the strait, which concern ship owners and cargo firms. A U. S. Navy advisory highlighted the uncertainty surrounding mine threats, recommending avoidance of the area. The shipping association BIMCO also stated that the status of the mine threat is unclear, urging companies to consider avoiding the strait. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is examining the situation regarding freedom of navigation in the strait.
With information from Reuters
