Strait of Hormuz Partially Reopens as Shipping Gradually Resumes After US/Iran Diplomatic Deal

The Strait of Hormuz has begun a gradual reopening, with limited commercial shipping resuming following a diplomatic breakthrough between the United States and Iran aimed at restoring stability in the critical maritime corridor.

Iran initially closed the Strait of Hormuz following the outbreak of the US-Israel-Iran conflict, using the waterway as leverage in response to coordinated military strikes against Iranian territory. The closure formed part of Iran’s broader pressure strategy aimed at compelling a halt to the offensive operations and forcing negotiations over maritime security and regional hostilities.

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The waterway had remained effectively closed for more than 100 days from late February, a move which severely disrupted global shipping routes and drove up energy prices.

Diplomatic Breakthrough Enables Reopening

On 14–15 June, the United States and Iran reached a preliminary memorandum of understanding to extend a regional ceasefire and reopen the strait to international navigation. A formal signing ceremony is expected in Geneva on Friday.

Although the agreement has not yet been formally signed, maritime authorities have begun treating the strait as partially open to allow shipping activity to restart. 

Shipping Activity Restarts Under Caution

Commercial traffic has resumed at a limited level, although volumes remain significantly below normal. The Joint Maritime Information Centre has downgraded the shipping threat level from “Critical” to “Substantial” following the agreement.

Under the terms of the arrangement, Iranian forces have a 30-day period to clear naval mines from transit routes. As a result, vessels currently passing through the strait are operating under heightened caution and close naval oversight.

More than 500 vessels are estimated to be waiting to exit the Gulf, with full clearance of the waterway expected to take several weeks at minimum.

Gradual Return to Normal Trade Expected

Despite the easing of tensions, international media reports suggest that global energy flows will take months to fully recover, even if the conflict remains contained.

Shipping analysts expect continued disruption in the short term as clearance operations continue and maritime traffic slowly normalises.

Maldives Welcomes Agreement

The Foreign Ministry welcomed the deal between the US and Iran, particularly the measures aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Authorities said the development supports the principle of safe and uninterrupted maritime trade through one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.