Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, ending a brief closure that triggered immediate concerns over global energy supply disruptions.
The decision comes as US-Iran peace talks in Switzerland entered their second day, with negotiators working to finalize a 60-day extension of the current ceasefire and establish a framework for nuclear discussions.
The reopening follows a tense opening session marked by Tehran’s announcement of the closure and repeated warnings from US President Donald Trump regarding potential military consequences if negotiations stall.
The swift reversal suggests a tactical de-escalation aimed at keeping diplomatic channels open, rather than a permanent resolution of the underlying tensions.
Markets reacted cautiously to the news, with Brent crude prices stabilizing after initial volatility sparked by the closure threat.
The Strait remains a critical chokepoint, handling roughly a fifth of global oil consumption, and any prolonged disruption would have severe implications for energy flows and freight rates.