US and Iran Near Deal to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

The United States and Iran are nearing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial and oil tanker traffic, ending a conflict that began on February 28, 2026. The dispute, sparked by U.S. and Israeli military efforts to halt Iran's nuclear program, severely disrupted global energy supplies.

In mid-July 2026, the federal government of the United States reimposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports after a Pakistan-mediated interim deal collapsed. Shipping and satellite data from Windward confirmed that the blockade effectively halted Iran's crude oil sales, with no tankers loading at the primary export terminal on Kharg Island since July 31. The terminal, which handles nearly 90% of Iranian crude exports, saw vessel numbers at anchor drop to their lowest levels since early July.

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, expressed optimism that a new agreement could be reached soon to lower global fuel prices and pave the way for nuclear negotiations. The proposed deal involves Iran and Oman jointly managing the waterway, though Washington remains concerned over the collection of security and environmental fees. The U.S. has indicated it will lift the port blockade once an agreement restoring unimpeded shipping is announced. While Iranian officials have defended these diplomatic efforts, the acting Iranian Defence Minister maintained that the nation's military remains equipped to respond to any threat.