Iran says Strait of Hormuz passage to be ensured after US pauses operation | US-Israel war on Iran News
U.S. Pauses Naval Operations, Iran Ensures Safe Passage Through Strait of Hormuz
Safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz will continue as the United States halts its military operations intended to aid vessels in the area, according to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran. The IRGC announced on social media this week that new procedures are now in place to facilitate safe passage, though details of these procedures were not disclosed.
The announcement follows President Donald Trump’s decision to pause the “Project Freedom” military operation aimed at guiding stranded ships through the crucial waterway. Trump made the statement on Tuesday, citing “great progress” towards a comprehensive agreement with Iran, attributing the pause to a request from mediator Pakistan. However, the U.S. naval blockade of Hormuz remains in effect.
In his Wednesday update on Truth Social, Trump expressed optimism that the conflict could come to an end if Iran complies with existing agreements but warned that failure to do so would lead to a more intense military response.
Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it is reviewing a U.S. proposal, with plans to communicate its response to Pakistan. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan, who is mediating discussions between Tehran and Washington, expressed gratitude for the U.S. pause, stating that it would support regional stability during a critical time.
Iran’s recent actions have included blockading the Strait following a military conflict initiated on February 28, involving strikes on various vessels and the implementation of fees for safe passage. The establishment of the “Persian Gulf Strait Authority” aims to regulate maritime activity in the strait permanently, indicating a shift in its operational status.
While the U.S. operation struggled to regain significant maritime traffic, it coincided with increased Iranian attacks on shipping interests in the area, including a recent assault on a vessel operated by French shipping company CMA CGM. The attack resulted in injuries among crew members and damage to the ship while it was transiting the Strait.
The ongoing conflict in the region has significantly impacted shipping routes, stranding thousands of people and disrupting approximately 20 percent of global oil trade. A government spokesperson from France confirmed that the country was not specifically targeted in the latest attack.
The extended disruption in the Strait of Hormuz poses challenges for the economies of Gulf states. Analysts forecast that the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations are incurring losses close to $700 million daily due to the inability to transport oil and other goods.
As tensions persist, the situation remains precarious in one of the world’s most vital shipping lanes.
