Iran says Strait of Hormuz passage to be ensured after US pauses operation
Al Jazeera • • nation
Key Points:
- The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) assured safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz following the US decision to pause its "Project Freedom" operation, though details of new procedures were not disclosed.
- US President Donald Trump halted the military operation to guide stranded ships, citing "great progress" in talks with Iran and mediation by Pakistan, while maintaining the naval blockade of the strait.
- Iran has established the "Persian Gulf Strait Authority" to regulate vessel passage, signaling a permanent change to the strait's status amid ongoing tensions and attacks on ships in the area.
- Recent attacks, including one on a French shipping vessel causing injuries and damage, underscore the continued dangers in the strait, which remains a critical route for about 20% of global oil trade.
- The disruption in shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is significantly impacting Gulf economies, with Gulf Cooperation Council states reportedly losing around $700 million daily due to halted oil exports.
