WASHINGTON, June 15, 2026 (International Desk) — U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that commercial shipping has resumed through the strategically vital Hormuz Strait, signaling a potential easing of tensions in the Gulf region amid ongoing efforts to end the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.
In a statement issued Monday, Trump said vessels, including oil tankers carrying large quantities of crude, had begun transiting the waterway once again.
“Shipping has resumed through the Hormuz Strait, including many ships filled with oil,” Trump said. He added that vessels were using the southern navigation channel through Omani territorial waters, which he described as “completely safe, secure and undamaged.”
The announcement came after Washington and Tehran revealed plans to sign a memorandum of understanding on Friday intended to lay the groundwork for ending the U.S.-Israeli war against Iran.
Although the text of the agreement has not yet been released, both sides have indicated that the preliminary understanding includes reopening the Hormuz Strait, lifting the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports and implementing a ceasefire across all fronts.
More complex and long-term issues—including the future of Iran’s nuclear program, Tehran’s support for regional allies, the release of frozen Iranian assets and the removal of economic sanctions—are expected to be addressed during a 60-day negotiation period following the signing of the memorandum.
The southern route through Omani waters had previously raised concerns due to reports of naval mines in the area. Trump noted that alternative maritime routes also remain available for commercial traffic.
However, a warning issued Monday by the U.S. military indicated that the naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in effect until the formal signing ceremony scheduled for Friday.
According to the advisory, military restrictions continue to regulate all vessel movements into and out of Iranian ports. Mariners were warned not to attempt to enter restricted areas without explicit authorization.
The reopening of the Hormuz Strait, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil exports pass, could help stabilize global energy markets and reduce concerns over disruptions to international shipping if the peace process proceeds as planned.
