Iran Offers to Reopen Strait of Hormuz if US Lifts Blockade

Iran is ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz under certain conditions. Iran has offered to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz within seven days if the United States eases military pressure and lifts its blockade on Iranian ports.

Oil prices slid following Iran's offer. Iran also plans to sell US and Israeli vessels seized in the Strait of Hormuz. The Strait of Hormuz has been largely shut since the US-Israeli war on Iran began. Vessels have been trickling through Hormuz as Middle East conflict persists. At least two people were injured when an unknown projectile struck a tanker as it entered the Strait of Hormuz.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated the LPG tanker was hit by debris from unknown projectiles and would continue to its next port of call. Iran downed another US drone over the Strait of Hormuz, bringing total American drone losses to 53. An Iranian tycoon's bank was hit by US sanctions over Strait of Hormuz tolls.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna introduced legislation to repeal a 34-year-old ban on direct U.S. With the Strait of Hormuz blocked, Iran has turned to the Caspian Sea, which has become a rapidly growing trade hub. Experts say about 6 million barrels a day bound for Asia pass through Bab al-Mandeb, which is now at risk due to Houthi actions.

Yemen's Houthis, Iran's main ally, have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Yemen's foreign minister-designate said the Houthi group was seeking to copy the Iranian model of charging ships passing through the strait.