First Iranian ships pass US blockade following framework agreement

"At least three oil tankers and two cargo ships passed through the zone yesterday evening without incident," reported, among others, the Iranian broadcaster Press TV, citing well-informed circles. TankerTrackers added that further tankers were near the line or no longer in Iranian ports, indicating a broader resumption of ship traffic.

The background to the ship traffic is a diplomatic rapprochement that had been taking shape over weeks. After weeks of negotiations, the US and Iran reached a framework agreement toward ending the war during the night before yesterday. A key point of contention until the end was the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime shipping lanes.

Trump's order and Iranian concession

Trump stated he ordered the immediate lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports. This fulfilled one of the main demands of the Iranians. In return, Iran reportedly relented and promised an opening of the strait after the signing. The agreement also provides that the deal will include the opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Vance, the exact wording of the framework agreement has not yet been finalized. The agreement with Iran is "a very general document," Vance told CNN. At the same time, he expressed confidence that a final deal would be reached. This will "absolutely" be the case, Vance told NBC News in an interview.

Open questions ahead of the signing

Technical details are to be clarified in the coming days. "On a number of issues, we first need to sort these things out in the technical negotiations phase," it was said from the negotiating environment. The final agreement is planned for Friday in Switzerland, where the signing is to take place.

Observers interpret the blocked lifting of the naval blockade as a first concrete signal of de-escalation. The fact that ships were able to pass through the zone without incident is seen as a practical test of the new agreement, even before formal signing has occurred.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and is a central route for global oil trade. A permanent opening of the strait would therefore have immediate effects on international energy and transport markets.

It remains to be seen how quickly the technical negotiations can be concluded and whether the Iranian side will promptly implement its commitments regarding the opening of the strait after the signing. Both sides have emphasized that the coming days will be decisive for the success of the agreement.