The US-Iran deal signed on June 17 promises that commercial traffic in the Strait of Hormuz will “commence immediately.”
At least seven ships were able to pass through the strait on Thursday, according to Marine Traffic data.
CNN is tracking the Strait’s reopening and traffic with live maps and charts.
The reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran effectively closed during the conflict, is a key part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran. Before the war, about 20% of the world’s oil production flowed through this waterway.
Under the memorandum, the United States must completely lift the naval blockade of Iranian ports by July 19. Iran is expected to make “best efforts” to return traffic to pre-war levels over the same period.
The deal leaves open the question of whether Iran will ultimately maintain control of the strait. Ships will be able to sail free of charge for “60 days only” while Iran and its Gulf neighbors work out a new deal for the strait. In other words, Iran may be allowed to collect fees.
