Bangkok: Commercial ships have begun test sailing through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran temporarily opened the passage on Friday. This move follows a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, fostering a positive atmosphere for Iranian peace talks. However, Iran has warned that it may close this vital shipping lane if the U.S. Navy does not lift its current blockade of Iranian ports.
According to Thai News Agency, ship tracking data from the MarineTraffic website revealed that several ships attempted to pass through the Persian Gulf towards the Strait of Hormuz from Friday evening through Saturday. Despite this, many ships eventually decided to turn back, though the reasons for their change of course remain undetermined.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has communicated via social media that the strait, a critical junction for global energy trade, will remain open to all commercial vessels for the duration of the 10-day ceasefire. This ceasefire, brokered by the United States, came into effect on Thursday, April 16th, following Israel's military actions against Lebanon after Hezbollah, an ally of Iran, joined the conflict.