The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced that 11 Indian ships have left the Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned progress in diplomatic talks with Tehran, with 13 ships still in the Persian Gulf awaiting clearance to proceed to India. The Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen following recent statements from the US and Iran about lifting blockades on the vital waterway.
After US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a pause in the blockade to explore a potential agreement with Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of Iran declared that ships could now pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded to US threats by asserting that the blockades had been neutralized. Trump had earlier warned of increased military action if Iran did not lift the blockade, which had disrupted global oil and gas flow through the Strait.
The standoff began when Iran blocked the Strait in response to military actions by Israel and the US on February 28. Subsequently, the US enforced its own blockade on Iranian ports after negotiations between the two nations broke down on April 13. The situation seems to be easing as diplomatic efforts progress to ensure safe passage for the remaining Indian ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
