The UN’s International Maritime Organization has begun evacuating more than 11,000 sailors stranded after the Strait of Hormuz was effectively closed during the US-Israel war against Iran. The operation follows a US-Iran memorandum of understanding, though disputes remain over inspections and the strait’s future.
Posts tagged as “Hormuz Security Force”
US and Iranian delegations are meeting in Switzerland after signing an initial agreement to end the war. The talks are already strained by continued fighting in Lebanon, disputes over the Strait of Hormuz and unresolved negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.
Iran said it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again over Israeli attacks in Lebanon, but the US military said traffic was still flowing. US-Iran talks are set to begin Sunday in Switzerland with Pakistan and Qatari mediators involved.
President Donald Trump’s interim agreement with Iran has drawn criticism from several Republicans over a planned $300bn reconstruction fund and concerns about Tehran’s nuclear programme. The 14-point memorandum commits both sides to end military operations and gives them 60 days to negotiate a final deal.
Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a 60-day initial agreement to halt the war, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and begin talks on Iran’s nuclear program. The deal drew praise from G7 leaders and sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers and Iranian hardliners.
Trump said the U.S.-Iran memorandum is not a final deal and warned bombing could resume if a broader agreement is not reached. The 14-point framework calls for a ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear limits, sanctions relief and further talks within 60 days.
Brent crude fell to its lowest level since early March as markets anticipated a US-Iran framework agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Shipping groups and analysts warned that restoring normal energy flows could still take weeks or months.
Trump has declared the Strait of Hormuz open and safe under a pending U.S.-Iran agreement, but shippers say they need proof that vessels can transit without danger. Ship-tracking data shows only limited movement as concerns persist over security, mines and possible fees.