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🇰🇷 South Korea /Energy & Infrastructure

Strait of Hormuz Reopens as Ships Transit After U.S.-Iran Deal

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • The Strait of Hormuz is reopening to commercial shipping after a maritime blockade between the U.S. and Iran was lifted.
  • Data shows an increase in vessel passage, with 11 ships transiting on June 19, though still below pre-war averages.
  • Iran has begun accepting transit applications, and maritime alert levels have been downgraded, but underlying tensions remain.

The Strait of Hormuz is moving towards normalization after the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding, leading to the lifting of a maritime blockade. Commercial vessels, including 24 South Korean ships, are expected to resume passage after being held for over 100 days.

Shipping data indicates a gradual reopening, with six vessels passing on June 18 and 11 on June 19, according to AP. While this is still significantly lower than the average of 140 daily transits before the conflict, it signals a positive trend. This development is interpreted as the first sign of the Strait's full reopening following the MOU signed on June 17.

The maritime blockade against all maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports has been lifted.

— U.S. Central CommandAnnouncing the end of the naval blockade.

The MOU stipulates that Iran will open the strait for free passage for 60 days, after which Iran and Oman will jointly operate a maritime service system. The U.S. Central Command officially ended its naval blockade, confirming that maritime traffic to and from Iranian ports is no longer being obstructed. However, U.S. naval vessels will remain in the area to monitor compliance with the agreement.

Commercial vessels hoping to transit the Strait of Hormuz must submit a transit request form in advance.

— Iran's Supreme National Security CouncilOutlining the new transit application process.

Iran's Ports and Maritime Organization has started accepting transit applications from commercial vessels. The Supreme National Security Council stated that prior requests are required and will be processed promptly. Approximately 550 commercial ships are estimated to be waiting to transit the strait, including 24 South Korean vessels.

The maritime security alert level in the Strait of Hormuz has been lowered from 'critical' to 'normal' by the UK Maritime Trade Operations, a decrease from the highest level issued in mid-April. Despite these steps, challenges persist. Iran's Parliament Speaker warned that Iran would not fulfill its obligations if the U.S. fails to uphold its promises. Iran also plans to impose fees after the initial 60-day free passage period. While concerns over oil supply chains have eased, issues related to transit fees and mistrust between the U.S. and Iran remain.

If the United States does not fulfill its promises, Iran will not fulfill its obligations either.

— Mohammad Bagher GhalibafWarning about U.S. compliance with the agreement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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