On Friday, Tehran announced that the Strait of Hormuz was now open to commercial vessels “in accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” according to the Iranian Foreign Minister.
Are Iran and the United States collaborating to clear the Strait of Hormuz of mines? This Friday, April 17, Donald Trump claimed that Iran, with the help of the United States, has cleared or is in the process of clearing all its naval mines. He did not provide further details on this American-Iranian operation that allegedly achieved this.
The presence of mines in this strategic passage for global commerce has been mentioned several times by American media, without any official confirmation ever being provided. Tehran has also mentioned this threat.
The White House tenant also stated that “Iran has agreed to never again close the Strait of Hormuz.” “It will no longer be used as a weapon against the world,” he added.
Donald Trump also said that he is maintaining the American blockade.
Later in the day, Iran announced the “full opening” of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels. An announcement made “in accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” according to the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi.
This announcement had rapid consequences on the markets. By mid-afternoon, the price of a barrel of Brent crude oil from the North Sea dropped by 10.4% to around $89. The American equivalent dropped by 11.11% to just over $84. Despite Tehran’s announcement, Donald Trump announced that he will maintain the blockade “until our deal with Iran is 100% completed.”
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz was also praised by European leaders meeting at the Élysée Palace, including Emmanuel Macron. However, Macron called for caution and the immediate and unconditional full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the restoration of the conditions of free passage in effect before the war, and full respect for the law of the sea.
“It is necessary to ensure the absence of mines and guarantee the security of ships passing through the strait to reassure the maritime navigation sector. Italy is ready to make its naval units available in a completely defensive attitude,” stated Italian Council President Giorgia Meloni.
