Hormuz Strait Reopening: US Lifts Naval Blockade in Major Breakthrough for Trump-Pezeshkian Deal
By International Desk, Bengal Times Dhaka, June 18, 2026
A major implementation phase of the historic 14-point Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has commenced, aimed at ending conflicts in the Middle East. Under the terms of this agreement, Iran is immediately opening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. In return, the United States will concurrently lift the long-standing naval blockade on Iranian ports.
This breakthrough and relief-inducing announcement was confirmed this morning (Thursday, June 18) by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif via a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Immediate Implementation of Terms
In his post, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the historic MoU between Washington and Tehran is now taking effect. As the primary step, Iran will immediately open the Strait of Hormuz to all international commercial vessels and oil tankers. Conversely, the US administration will lift its naval sanctions and port blockades, sending a significantly positive signal to the global energy market and international trade.
Special Summit in Switzerland: The Roles of Qatar and Pakistan
Qatar and Pakistan have played pivotal roles as mediators in bringing these two long-time rivals to this agreement. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that, with the active support of Qatar, Pakistan is organizing a special event in Switzerland tomorrow, Friday, June 19.
The primary objectives of this event are:
To commemorate the historic agreement and the cessation of hostilities on the international stage.
To formally initiate technical-level discussions regarding the subsequent phases of the deal's implementation.
Global Politics and Relief in Oil Markets
Approximately one-fifth of the world's oil supply passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Consequently, the closure of this maritime route had created extreme volatility in global oil prices. International analysts are hailing this decision to lift the naval blockade and reopen the strait as one of the greatest diplomatic victories of the century.
Amidst ongoing tensions in Lebanon and other fronts across the Middle East, this MoU is expected to bring global relief and pave the way for long-term peace.