US Energy Secretary Chris Wright reported that over 100 commercial vessels navigated the Strait of Hormuz in the past two days, indicating a return to normal oil and gas flows. He expressed optimism about declining US energy prices due to increased domestic and international production, irrespective of US-Iran talks.
Around 80 mines must be cleared from the Strait of Hormuz before normal shipping can resume, according to Phil Belcher of Intertanko. The main route is closed and dangerous, with an estimated 600 vessels waiting in the area. The US and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to cease hostilities.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei revealed he initially opposed the recent US-Iran memorandum of understanding but approved it after receiving assurances that national interests would be protected. The deal includes a ceasefire, lifting of naval blockades, and a 60-day negotiation period on sanctions relief and Iran's nuclear program.
Oil prices dropped sharply Sunday after President Trump announced a "complete" deal with Iran and the "immediate toll-free reopening of the Strait of Hormuz." Brent crude fell 3.9% to $84/barrel, US crude 4.8% to $81. The waterway had been effectively closed since February.
Three tankers, including one with an Indian crew, were struck by US forces in the Strait of Hormuz this week. Three Indian sailors died on MT Settebello, which the US claims violated its blockade of Iranian ports. India has condemned the attacks and summoned the US Charge d'affaires.
All 20 Indian seafarers aboard the bitumen tanker MT Jalveer are safe following a maritime security incident near Oman's Shinas port. Crew evacuation operations have begun, with six seafarers already being moved to the port. This incident occurs amid heightened regional maritime security concerns.
US Central Command stated that commercial vessels are continuing to transit the Strait of Hormuz, contradicting an earlier announcement by Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya central headquarters that Tehran would close the strait to all vessels in response to US attacks.
Iran's state media reported its navy targeted a US military vessel in the Gulf of Oman, citing recent US actions against Iranian commercial vessels. The US Central Command denied the claim, stating its assets operate unimpeded.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) struck the Botswana-flagged oil tanker Lexie with a Hellfire missile in international waters, disabling its engine room. The vessel was reportedly heading to Iran without cargo and ignored repeated warnings from US forces over 24 hours.
President Zelensky imposed sanctions on 127 Russian military commanders and 29 commercial vessels, which Kyiv believes are used for military cargo transport.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard navy has warned of a “heavy assault” on one of the U.S. bases in the region if Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels are attacked
Iran's IRGC has warned of a "heavy assault" on US military assets and ships if Iranian oil tankers or commercial vessels are attacked in the Strait of Hormuz. This follows US forces disabling two Iranian oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman and an earlier exchange of fire near the strait.
According to an official address, Iran’s ports are ready to provide "services and technical support, as well as medical assistance"
American destroyers are on station, supported by hundreds of fighter jets, helicopters, drones and surveillance aircraft, providing 24/7 overwatch for peaceful commercial vessels, Pete Hegseth said
The US forces established the naval blockade of Iran on April 13
Meanwhile shipping company Maersk said one of its US-flagged commercial vessels had successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection.
The exchange occurred a day after President Donald Trump announced the Navy would help commercial vessels transit the Strait of Hormuz.
The U.S. operation comes after renewed attacks on commercial vessels over the weekend.
The U.S. operation comes after renewed attacks on commercial vessels over the weekend.
The U.S. operation comes after renewed attacks on commercial vessels over the weekend.
The U.S. operation comes after renewed attacks on commercial vessels over the weekend.
Meanwhile, a senior admiral said the US had destroyed six Iranian boats and shot down missiles and drones fired at US Navy and commercial vessels by Tehran's forces.
Navigation through the Strait of Hormuz practically stopped on May 3 following US President Donald Trump's statements on prospects of settling the conflict with Iran. Ship tracking data shows only two Iranian commercial vessels passed through the strait on Sunday, compared to nine ships in both directions on Saturday. Trump said Iran's response to Washington's proposals would hardly be acceptable because Tehran has allegedly not yet paid 'a big enough price.'
US Central Command announced that American military forces have successfully redirected the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to violate the naval blockade of Iran, which was imposed on April 13. According to CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper, Tehran is currently unable to sell approximately 69 million barrels of oil already loaded onto tankers due to the blockade.
