The United States and Iran reached an agreement to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping chokepoint that has been closed or heavily restricted since the conflict began in February 2026. President Trump said the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open by Friday, with a formal signing ceremony scheduled for June 19 in Switzerland.
Trump and Vice President JD Vance digitally signed a preliminary memorandum of understanding on June 15, according to CNN. The deal marks an end to the military conflict that has disrupted global oil markets and shipping routes for more than three months. The full text of the agreement will be released after the formal signing, Trump said, though specific terms remain largely confidential.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying around 20 percent of global seaborne oil trade, according to UN Trade and Development. Ships crossing the narrow passage between Iran and Oman transport approximately 20 million barrels of oil per day, making any disruption a threat to global energy supplies and economic stability.
Iran declared the Strait closed on March 4, 2026, shortly after US and Israeli forces began striking Iranian targets following the war’s start on February 28. The closure triggered a sharp rise in global oil prices and forced shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa at significant cost. The blockade remained largely in effect through multiple ceasefire attempts until the latest agreement.
Under the deal, Trump authorized an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports that had been imposed in April 2026. According to Al Jazeera, the agreement includes “the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts,” with Iran agreeing to remove restrictions on shipping through the Strait. The deal also calls for negotiations within 60 days to reach a final, comprehensive agreement on broader issues including Iran’s nuclear program and frozen assets.
Iranian media reported that several vessels, including oil tankers, have already begun crossing the Strait following the memorandum signing, according to a video report from Al Jazeera English. The reopening is expected to gradually ease global energy prices and restore normal shipping flows through one of the world’s most vital trade routes.
Sources
- CNN — Trump and Vance digitally signed the US-Iran agreement on June 15, 2026.
- Al Jazeera — Deal includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz, lifting the US naval blockade, and ending military operations on all fronts; ships already moving through the Strait.
- NBC News — Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz will be completely open by Friday.
- UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) — The Strait of Hormuz carries around a quarter of global seaborne oil trade.
- Congress.gov — Iran declared the Strait closed beginning March 4, 2026.
- PBS — Trump authorized an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports as part of the deal.
- The Conversation — Ships crossing the Strait of Hormuz carry around one-fifth of global oil supplies, approximately 20 million barrels per day.
