Ships Navigate Strait of Hormuz Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire

Ships have begun to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran is in effect. The Greek-owned bulk carrier NJ Earth crossed the strait at 08:44 UTC after departing Bandar Abbas earlier.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the transit of NJ Earth may signal a broader ceasefire, contingent on coordination with Iran's armed forces. The vessel's route was approved by Iranian authorities, as it navigated near Larak Island.

This development follows a period of heightened tensions, with U.S. vessels having crossed the waterway in the past three weeks. The article notes that approximately 800 ships are currently stuck in the Gulf due to severe restrictions imposed by Iran in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli attacks.

According to data from Kpler, there has been a 95 percent decrease in peacetime traffic, with only 307 crossings recorded during the recent period.