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Iran and the United States reportedly resumed maritime traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, with U.S. President Donald Trump declaring the critical oil route would be “completely open” by Friday. However, tensions persist over who will control the waterway and implement agreed terms following the end of Iran’s blockade. The strait, a vital artery for oil shipments accounting for roughly 20% of global throughput, remains a focal point of unease as details of the Iran-U.S. agreement emerge.
Both nations confirmed the resumption of traffic after a maritime blockade imposed during escalating clashes in February. Trump, speaking late Tuesday, stated that “ships are starting to move, many loaded up with oil,” and asserted the U.S. would not require external assistance to maintain the strait’s operations. Meanwhile, Iran’s Fars News Agency reported three oil tankers and two cargo vessels had successfully transited the route without incident, aligning with U.S. claims.
The temporary détente follows Tehran and Washington’s Sunday agreement to de-escalate tensions triggered by U.S.-Israeli military actions. Iranian officials have largely avoided clarifying the strait’s management structure, though Fars cited a draft plan involving joint oversight with Oman. This aligns with Iran’s earlier proposal to introduce transit fees—a claim disavowed by Oman, which insists no fees can be imposed on the natural waterway.
If realized, the toll structure might instead involve maritime services fees, as noted by Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei. This contrasts with Iran’s May 2025 map submission to the UN, which asserted extended territorial claims over Hormuz—a move rejected by Gulf states like the UAE and Oman, who coordinated warnings via the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to vessels against complying.
The strait’s operational recovery is critical to mitigating global energy market disruptions, as it oversaw a blockade since Iran’s conflict with Israel and the U.S. erupted in late February. Iranian military leaders praised the accord as a “victory,” while analysts caution about unresolved issues, including Iran’s disputed nuclear program and the status of its frozen assets. Trump reiterated commitments to release Iranian funds and negotiate Iran’s nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.
Further complications persist in Lebanon, where Iran-backed Hezbollah remains entrenched after Iranian and Israeli strikes. Iraqi Shia militias and Yemen’s Houthi rebels—both part of Tehran’s regional proxy network—also await clarity on the strait’s governance. Despite Trump’s optimism, analysts warn the deal’s success hinges on mutual adherence to nuclear curbs and asset unfreezing, issues already fraught with mistrust.
A senior U.S. official confirmed electronic signing of the framework agreement by Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi emphasized historical skepticism: “We have a history of broken commitments.” Talks on a finalized nuclear deal are set to conclude within two months, with provisions for IAEA inspections and stockpile destruction.
Economic and Regional Implications
Once operational, the strait could alleviate energy sector volatility, though the pipeline’s resumption has yet to reach pre-crisis volumes. Oil prices may stabilize as tensions ease, though OPEC+ production cuts remain a wildcard. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s fragile political landscape faces renewed strain, as Hezbollah clashes with Israeli forces over territorial claims in southern regions.
Trump pledged transparency, stating the U.S. would “release the document” promptly. U.S. Vice President JD Vance clarified that Iranian stockpile destruction would involve IAEA oversight but stopped short of confirming Iran’s suspension of uranium enrichment. Meanwhile, Gulf Arab states, outsiders to the agreement, have expressed reservations about Iran’s regional influence, citing prior breaches of international accords.
The strait’s reopening is a symbolic diplomatic win for Trump, whose administration credits the deal with averting wider conflict. Yet operational challenges—ranging from Iran’s potential enforcement of disputed territorial claims to lingering Hezbollah-Israeli skirmishes—could undermine long-term stability. As the world watches, the accord’s viability rests on balancing national interests with broader security imperatives.
