Trump Announces Strait of Hormuz Reopening After US-Iran Deal Framework

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that ships carrying oil have begun moving out of the Strait of Hormuz, following a framework agreement reached with Iran. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that these vessels are utilizing a southern route he described as “totally safe, secure, and pristine.” He also mentioned that other travel routes are available.

The announcement comes as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has remained largely at a standstill. Despite Trump’s claim, many shippers have expressed uncertainty about the arrangement for crossing the waterway and consider it too risky to resume transit. The framework deal, announced on Sunday, is expected to be formally signed on Friday. Trump had previously indicated that the strait could reopen immediately after the scheduled signing.

Iran’s Fars news agency reported that Tehran added a clause regarding maritime service fees to the deal shortly before its announcement. This agency also stated that the memorandum of understanding was amended to explicitly emphasize Iranian-Omani sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz, and that the term ‘maritime’ was used in relation to this.

The agreement between the U.S. and Iran aims to end months of conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway through which approximately a fifth of global oil and LNG flowed before the war began on February 28. The reopening of the strait is considered good news for energy markets, but key disputes that triggered the conflict, such as Iran’s nuclear program, remain unresolved. This ambiguity could lead to further confusion or confrontation.

Commercial shipping associations have cautioned that it is still too early to resume sailing through the Strait of Hormuz, as political leaders have not yet provided sufficient details to ensure safe passage for vessels. The International Maritime Organization has welcomed the framework agreement, calling it a “crucial return to peace” and an important step toward restoring safety and freedom of navigation. However, its implementation will require time to ensure all necessary safety and security guarantees are in place.

Global oil prices fell approximately 5 percent on Monday in response to the news of the deal. While some analysts believe the deal will bring peace and security to the region, others note that it may take weeks or months for tanker traffic to return to pre-war levels, and shippers will want assurances that the pact will hold.