Iran has agreed to allow the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz for a limited period, following a decision by the United States to suspend attacks on the country’s power infrastructure on Tuesday.
The breakthrough comes after Donald Trump announced a two-week suspension of planned U.S. military action against Iran, contingent on the immediate reopening of the strait. The temporary truce is being described by officials as a “double-sided ceasefire,” requiring simultaneous compliance from all parties.
Under the arrangement, Iran will coordinate maritime traffic through its armed forces to ensure safe navigation, while the U.S. has indicated it may assist in managing congestion caused by weeks of disrupted shipping.
Reacting to the news, Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Tehran would permit safe passage through the critical waterway for two weeks. The announcement forms part of a broader de-escalation arrangement involving the United States and Israel, following intense diplomatic efforts led by regional mediators.
According to Araghchi, Iran is also prepared to “suspend defensive operations” within the same timeframe, provided that opposing forces halt their strikes.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most vital shipping routes, handling roughly 20 percent of global oil exports. Its disruption in recent weeks had triggered sharp increases in oil prices and heightened fears of a prolonged global energy crisis.
Tensions had escalated after Iran imposed restrictions on vessels linked to countries it accused of participating in military aggression, particularly the United States and Israel. Tehran maintained that the measures were defensive and targeted, rather than a full closure of the waterway.
The standoff led to a backlog of oil tankers and significant disruptions to global energy supply chains, with millions of barrels of crude stranded in the region awaiting clearance.
The agreement follows last-minute mediation efforts involving Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey, which helped avert a broader military escalation.
Global markets responded swiftly to the announcement, with oil prices falling and investor confidence improving amid hopes that the temporary arrangement could pave the way for a longer-term resolution.
Despite the breakthrough, Iranian officials have cautioned that the pause is conditional and does not represent a permanent end to the conflict. Tehran has warned it will resume defensive actions if attacks recommence.
Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days, as both sides explore the possibility of a more durable ceasefire agreement.
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