US President Trump reports progress in navigation through Strait of Hormuz

US and Iran Announce Plans for Naval Blockade Lift

The US military advisory has confirmed that a naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect until a signing ceremony planned for this Friday, according to Reuters news agency. The ceremony is aimed at ending the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.

President Donald Trump stated on Monday that ships are starting to move through the Strait of Hormuz, with many loaded with oil. He also mentioned that the route traversing Oman’s territorial waters is considered safe and secure.

The US naval blockade has been in place since the conflict began. The military advisory warned that all traffic inbound and outbound from Iranian ports remains restricted until explicit direction is given.

International oil markets have rebounded following positive signals towards a deal. However, experts estimate that it may take months for operations to return to normal if the strait were to be fully reopened.

The International Chamber of Shipping reported that approximately 500 ships are waiting to pass through the strait, with around 20,000 stranded crew members. The UN’s International Maritime Organisation recorded 46 US and Iranian attacks on international shipping lines throughout the conflict.

Details of the plan to open the strait have not been released, nor has the question of its future administration been addressed. The waterway had previously been closed due to the ongoing conflict.

US Vice President JD Vance stated that he expects the strait to be “opened in a toll-free way for the long term”. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, indicated that fees will be charged for passage through the waterway.

Source: Al Jazeera