The naval branch of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated that the Strait of Hormuz may soon be reopened, following the reduction of what they term “threats from aggressors,” according to a report by Reuters that references state media sources.
The IRGC navy expressed optimism about ensuring safe and stable navigation through this vital maritime corridor. This development comes in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s recent comments, in which he announced a suspension of his “Project Freedom” aimed at facilitating passage through the strait, citing significant progress toward a comprehensive agreement with Iran.
While the IRGC’s statement did not elaborate on the specifics of the new protocols, it acknowledged and appreciated the compliance of ship owners and captains with Iranian regulations in the region.
Trump has conveyed a positive outlook regarding the potential conclusion of hostilities with Iran, suggesting that if Tehran accepts the terms of a proposed truce, the Strait of Hormuz could be made accessible to all. Conversely, he warned that should Iran reject the proposal, the United States would intensify its military operations significantly.
In a message shared on Truth Social, Trump stated: “If Iran agrees to the terms that have been discussed, the ongoing conflict will cease, and the Strait of Hormuz will be accessible to everyone, including Iran. However, if they refuse, military actions will resume at a much greater scale than before. I appreciate your attention to this situation.”
In further communications, the IRGC navy thanked maritime professionals operating in the Gulf for their adherence to regulations and their role in enhancing regional maritime security. They declared that with the perceived threats neutralized and new guidelines established, safe passage through the strait would be assured.
This announcement marks Iran’s initial response following Trump’s decision to halt military operations aimed at facilitating the movement of commercial vessels through the strait. Meanwhile, oil prices have begun to decline, with Brent crude falling by 9.2% to $99.79 per barrel, marking the first dip below $100 since late April.
This price drop coincides with reports indicating that the United States and Iran are nearing an agreement to conclude the ongoing conflict. The IRGC’s statement on the potential reopening of the Strait of Hormuz follows Trump’s suspension of “Project Freedom,” which aimed to assist commercial traffic in this economically essential waterway.
In a separate development, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported initiating strikes on what they identified as Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, despite a ceasefire designed to halt hostilities with the Iran-supported group. The IDF also noted several incidents involving drone explosions near its soldiers in southern Lebanon, leading to new orders that have forced numerous families to evacuate their homes.
Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed gratitude to Trump for pausing “Project Freedom.” He remarked that this decision is likely to pave the way for a sustainable agreement that fosters lasting peace and stability in the region. In a post on X, he stated, “I appreciate President Trump’s decisive leadership regarding the suspension of Project Freedom in the Strait of Hormuz. His response to the requests from Pakistan and other allied nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, will significantly contribute to peace and reconciliation during this critical time.”
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to supporting efforts that seek peaceful resolutions through dialogue and diplomacy, expressing hope that current developments would lead to a lasting agreement for regional stability.
As oil prices continued to decline following Axios’s report about the US and Iran nearing a deal to end the conflict, Brent crude prices dropped to $101.97 per barrel. The market reacted to Trump’s pause of “Project Freedom,” which aimed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to facilitate trade, as negotiations appeared to be progressing.
A Pakistani source involved in US-Iran peace discussions confirmed to Reuters that an agreement might be reached soon, stating, “We are getting close to finalizing this matter.” According to Axios, the US is optimistic about achieving a one-page memorandum of understanding to bring an end to the war, as conveyed by multiple sources familiar with the situation.
