The Strait of Hormuz reopening has become the main maritime issue in the new agreement announced by the United States and Iran after months of war in the Middle East. The deal, expected to be signed on June 19 in Geneva, should bring an immediate end to military operations and allow one of the world’s most strategic oil routes to resume activity. Before the conflict, around 20% of global oil passed through this narrow waterway. Today, traffic remains heavily disrupted, with hundreds of vessels still waiting in the area.
A fragile maritime restart
The agreement includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the lifting of the US naval blockade and possible demining operations in the maritime corridor. Donald Trump said ships should be able to move again once the text is signed. However, Iran has suggested that the reopening could follow its own rules, leaving questions about freedom of navigation. Around 800 vessels are still in the strait, compared with 3,000 earlier in the war. Daily traffic has reportedly fallen to about 10 ships, far below the pre-war level of nearly 140.
Diplomacy, sanctions and nuclear talks
Pakistan played a central mediation role, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif presenting the deal as a major step toward peace. The next phase should open 60 days of talks on Iran’s nuclear program, enriched uranium, sanctions relief, reconstruction and a monitoring mechanism.
European countries have welcomed the agreement but insist that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Key points: the ceasefire must hold, Hormuz must reopen safely, and maritime trade will depend on clear guarantees.
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