United News of Bangladesh

Iran and the United States on Friday said the Strait of Hormuz has been reopened and is fully operational for commercial shipping after nearly seven weeks of disruption that had affected global energy trade. “IRAN HAS JUST ANNOUNCED THAT THE STRAIT OF IRAN IS FULLY OPEN AND READY FOR FULL PASSAGE. THANK YOU!,” US President Donald Trump said on social media, using an unofficial name for the strategic waterway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that commercial vessels would be allowed to pass in line with the ongoing ceasefire arrangement, reports South China Morning Post. Araghchi said ships would be required to follow designated routes set by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation. The announcement comes alongside a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, under which passage through the strait will remain open for the duration of the truce. Trump, however, said US naval blockade on Iranian vessels and supplies would remain in place until a final agreement is reached. The apparent breakthrough eased market concerns, with oil prices falling nearly 10 percent following the announcement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has reiterated that Iran has not targeted civilian or residential areas in the Middle East, and expressed Tehran’s willingness to form a joint committee with neighbouring countries to identify those responsible for such attacks. Araghchi, quoted on his Telegram channel, said in an interview with the Al-Araby al-Jadeed website that Iran is in contact with Gulf nations and would welcome any initiative aimed at ending the US-Israeli conflict against Iran. Gulf states report fresh attacks after Iran warns major UAE ports Gulf countries have urged Tehran to halt its strikes on their territories, noting that the attacks have affected not only US military installations but also energy infrastructure and residential zones. Source- Al Jazeera