Iran pledges safe Strait of Hormuz transit following US military pause
Tehran asserts that safe passage will be maintained via new protocols, a move that comes amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations mediated by Pakistan and recent escalations involving merchant vessels.
The navy of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has stated that safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will be ensured following the implementation of new procedures. This announcement was issued after United States President Donald Trump paused his 'Project Freedom' military operation, which was designed to guide stranded vessels through the waterway. The IRGC statement, posted on X, thanked ship owners and captains for adhering to Iranian regulations but did not specify the details of the new procedures.
While the operational pause has been declared, President Trump confirmed that the US naval blockade of the Hormuz Strait remains in effect. He stated that the conflict could end if Iran agrees to previously negotiated terms, warning that failure to comply would result in bombing at a much higher level and intensity. The pause in operations was cited by the President as being contingent on progress toward a comprehensive agreement mediated by Pakistan.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, acting as a mediator between Tehran and Washington, expressed gratitude for the pause in operations, noting it would advance regional peace and stability. The diplomatic thaw follows recent attacks on vessels, including a French CMA CGM ship, and Iran's establishment of the 'Persian Gulf Strait Authority' to permanently alter the strait's maritime status.
The creation of the Persian Gulf Strait Authority signals an intent to permanently alter the maritime status of the strait rather than implementing a temporary regime. This new body is tasked with regulating and organising the passage of all vessels, both military and commercial. Analysts suggest that practically, what Iranians are saying is that this is not a temporary new maritime regime; they are talking about a permanent change in the status of the strait.
The latest developments follow an incident where the French container ship San Antonio was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The attack resulted in injuries to crew members and damage to the vessel; the injured crew have since been evacuated and received medical care. France was not specifically targeted by the attack, according to government spokesperson Maud Bregeon, though the incident highlights the continued danger in the crucial shipping route.
The prolonged disruption in Hormuz has blocked hundreds of vessels and brought roughly 20 percent of global oil trade to a virtual standstill. The situation remains volatile as the Gulf economies face daily losses, with reports indicating that the Gulf Cooperation Council states are losing roughly $700m daily by not being able to move oil effectively.
