Iran Guarantees Strait of Hormuz Passage for Two Weeks

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Tuesday that the country would guarantee safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks, following an overnight ceasefire agreement with the United States. The declaration came amid heightened regional tensions and aims to restore maritime traffic through the vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The first confirmed transits occurred shortly after, with two vessels navigating the strait early Wednesday.

According to ship tracking data, the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Daytona Beach departed Iran's Bandar Abbas port at 0528 UTC and crossed the strait around 0659 UTC, bound for the United Arab Emirates. The Greek-owned NJ Earth followed at approximately 0844 UTC, maintaining an active transponder and following a route near Larak Island. Araghchi stated that ships would be permitted to pass during this period, but only after coordinating with Iranian armed forces and adhering to technical requirements. A U.S. official described the reopening as complete, immediate, and safe, though details on the exact terms remain unclear.

The Strait of Hormuz handles about 20 percent of global oil consumption,...