Diplomatic Efforts Yield Results: 11 Indian Ships Leave Strait of Hormuz

Progress in Diplomatic Relations

New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Thursday that 11 Indian vessels have successfully navigated out of the Strait of Hormuz, thanks to ongoing diplomatic discussions with Iran.

During a weekly press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the positive developments in diplomatic relations with Tehran, confirming that the ministry remains in contact with Iranian officials.

Jaiswal stated, "We have observed progress, and as a result of our diplomatic efforts and discussions with Iran, 11 Indian ships have exited the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, 13 vessels are still in the Persian Gulf, and we are actively working with Iranian authorities to facilitate their safe passage back to India, their intended destination."

The Strait of Hormuz is poised to reopen following announcements from both the US and Iran on Wednesday, indicating that the blockades affecting this vital waterway for the global economy are being lifted.

US President Donald Trump mentioned on Tuesday evening that he would pause the blockade to explore the possibility of reaching an agreement with Iran. In response, Iran's military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), declared on Wednesday that it would permit ships to transit through the Strait of Hormuz.

The IRGC asserted that the threats posed by the US had been effectively countered.

However, Trump warned on Wednesday morning that he would escalate military actions if Iran did not lift the blockade on this crucial waterway.

Iran had previously blocked the Strait, through which approximately 20% of the world's oil and gas is transported, following the commencement of a bombing campaign by Israel and the US on February 28.

The US imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports on April 13 after negotiations between the two nations broke down.