Iran confirmed on Friday that it has fully reopened Strait of Hormuz to merchant ships. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump said the U.S. blockade of Iranian ships and ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches an agreement with the United States, including on its nuclear program.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted on
follow: US Iran News Live: Trump claims “Iran has agreed not to close the Strait of Hormuz”
Trump creates chaos
Trump initially celebrated Iran’s announcement, posting on social media that the strait was “fully open and ready for full access.” But minutes later, he posted that the U.S. Navy blockade would continue “until our deal with Iran is 100% complete.”
However, several ships appeared to be crossing the channel on Friday.
Several ships crossed the U.S. blockade
While the blockade continues, tracking data analyzed by BBC Verify shows that at least four ships from Iranian ports have crossed the US-imposed blockade in the Gulf of Oman. Three of the ships – Shabdis, Tava 4 and Azargoun – are subject to US sanctions and are currently broadcasting their locations off the coast of India. Another vessel, Ashkan3 25278, appears to have arrived in Karachi, Pakistan.
Additionally, at least three other sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran have crossed the blockade, although they were not marked as having departed directly from Iranian ports, the BBC reported.
Citing ship tracking data, Reuters reported that about 20 ships, including container ships, bulk carriers and oil tankers, were in the Gulf heading for the Strait of Hormuz exit on Friday night.
U.S. says some ships are returning
Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported partial compliance with the blockade, noting that several ships had changed course. Central Command said Thursday that during the first 72 hours of the blockade, 14 ships “turned around at the direction of U.S. forces to comply with the blockade.”
Stocks react to Hormuz news
Stocks rose sharply on Friday after the Hormuz update was released. The Dow Jones Industrial Average led the gains, rising 2.0%, while the S&P 500 gained 1.3%, extending its five-day winning streak and moving back above its all-time high set in January. The Nasdaq 100 also rose 1.3%, posting its 13th straight day of gains, its longest winning streak since 2013, and setting a new all-time high.
(With AP input)
