US Lifts Shipping Blockade on Iran; Tankers Resume Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
Washington – The United States has formally lifted its maritime blockade of Iran, allowing oil tankers to freely transit the Strait of Hormuz. This decision follows the implementation of a temporary agreement between Washington and Tehran aimed at de-escalating tensions following a period of heightened conflict. The blockade was initially imposed in July 2019 in response to attacks on oil tankers in the strait.
Subsequently, Iran closed the waterway, raising concerns about global oil supplies. The resumption of shipping traffic occurred after Iranian lawmakers approved a measure to close the strait in reaction to US strikes on several key Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, 2025. These strikes were a response to ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran, which began following Israel’s aerial attacks within Iran on June 13, 2025.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a strategically vital waterway, accounting for approximately 20% of global oil trade. The lifting of the blockade represents a significant step toward easing tensions in the region. Negotiations between the involved parties are ongoing, with the goal of establishing a sustainable framework for security and stability within the strait.
The situation remains closely monitored by international observers.
Topics: #strait #saj #key
