When will Hormuz shipping return to pre-war levels? Possible Iran deal offers hints

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2 min readNew DelhiMay 24, 2026 11:14 PM ISTTehran has said that it will not bow to pressure tactics of the United States as the blockade of Iranian ports by Washington continues. (AI Generated Image)US-Iran deal explained: The United States appear close to reaching a deal with Iran in order to end the nearly three months old conflict and American President Donald Trump has said that the truce is “largely negotiated” as a memorandum of understanding on a peace deal could reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which is responsible for the passage of 20 percent of global oil supply.A potential deal between Washington and Tehran means that the number of ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz would return to a pre-war level within 30 days, reported Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency.Timeline for lifting blockades and releasing assetsThe US military’s ongoing naval blockade of Iran’s ports must be completely lifted in 30 days after a deal is struck, Tasnim reported citing a memorandum of understanding, adding that after a deal is struck between the two nations, Tehran’s frozen assets must also be released under sanctions waiver.Several US and Iranian media outlets reported that the memorandum to end the conflict details a phased framework, which deals with reopening the Hormuz and lending America’s naval blockade on Tehran.The reports added that plans on Iran’s enriched uranium, which Trump has insisted that it gives up, would be negotiated within 30 to 60 days after the initial agreement is reached.Regional diplomacy and navigation sovereigntyHowever, Iran and Oman’s officials held a meeting to discuss principles governing freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as per international law, Al Jazeera reported quoting Oman’s news agency.Meanwhile, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s military adviser on Sunday reportedly said that Tehran has “legal right” to manage the Strait of Hormuz in order to ensure national security.Story continues below this adRemaining obstacles to a final agreementIran’s Tasnim news agency, citing a source, reported that differences between Washington and Tehran remained over one or two clauses and that there would be no agreement if the US continued to create obstacles.The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis. A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students. All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence. Core Team The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy: Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership. Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage. Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt LtdTags:Strait of HormuzUS Iran tensionsAdvertisementLoading Recommendations...Advertisement