Key facts
- The US and Iran have reached an interim deal to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and toll-free for 60 days.
- US President Donald Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz would reopen by Friday.
- European allies express skepticism about the rapid timeline, citing practical challenges like mine clearance.
- The US expects the 60-day provision for free passage to be part of a final agreement.
- Mine clearance operations are planned by European countries but are contingent on a final peace deal and a permissive environment.
The United States and Iran have reached an interim agreement to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and toll-free for 60 days, according to a US official. President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that the vital waterway, through which one-fifth of global oil and LNG supplies normally flow, would reopen by Friday.
However, European allies attending the G7 summit expressed skepticism about Trump's accelerated timeline, indicating that trade resumption could take months. They raised practical questions about the agreement's specifics, including mine clearance and differing interpretations of the deal, before committing to de-mining missions and patrols.
One senior US official suggested that shipping traffic would increase gradually, potentially taking up to two weeks for a significant rise and longer to return to pre-conflict levels. The presence of mines in the strait requires clearing, and shippers have varying risk tolerances. The memorandum of understanding explicitly states the strait will be open toll-free for 60 days, a provision the US expects to be included in a final agreement.
While both the US and Iran announced an interim agreement, their descriptions of its contents differ. Senator Lindsey Graham acknowledged these discrepancies, stating, "Let's look at it and see what it actually is." Officials are expected to sign the accord in Switzerland on Friday, with Vice President JD Vance likely to represent the administration.
European leaders are planning a framework for de-mining the waterway, with over 15 countries committing resources. However, Trump has downplayed their role and the difficulties involved. German officials warned that mine-clearing operations could take weeks, requiring an international mandate and potentially complex procedures. The vulnerability of mine-clearing vessels in a volatile environment was also highlighted.
Despite reservations, European nations, led by French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, are moving forward with planning to help reopen the strait. Macron emphasized the importance of the strait's reopening for global peace and stated readiness to contribute.