U.S. and Iran Reach Functional Agreement Enabling Initial Oil Shipments Through Strait of Hormuz

Ships resumed movement through the Strait of Hormuz on June 16, 2026, after the United States and Iran reached an agreement to end the Middle East war. President Donald Trump stated that the strait was already partially opened and that operations were underway to clear remaining mines.

Trump said ships, many loaded with oil, were starting to move out of the waterway. He added that he did not think the United States would need much help keeping it open. The strait is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February triggered months of conflict and economic disruption.

At the G7 summit in Evian, France, leaders held a working dinner on Monday, June 15, focused on Iran. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s contribution to de-mining the strait is conditional on a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. G7 leaders will next decide on a framework to de-mine the waterway, including an agreement from Iran and other parties.

European leaders plan to seek Trump’s approval for the mission.

A U.S. official said traffic would ramp up over time and could take as many as two weeks to increase significantly. The same official said returning to pre-February shipping levels could take even longer. Mines still need to be cleared and shippers have varying risk tolerances, the official added.