-- Global leaders on Friday reacted cautiously to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, welcoming the development, while seeking guarantees for permanent, secure navigation amid ongoing security and geopolitical concerns.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the move as "a step in the right direction", while stressing the need for full restoration of navigational rights and freedoms.
"The UN position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone," Guterres said.
European leaders echoed that sentiment at a conference in Paris on Friday, co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, where about 50 countries discussed plans for a potential multinational mission to safeguard shipping.
Macron said the developments should be carefully assessed, noting that access remained contingent on Iranian coordination and the ongoing US blockade. Starmer said the reopening must be more than a short-term deal.
"This must be a long-lasting and workable solution, without tolls or restrictions on routes," Starmer said.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU would support efforts by sharing satellite data and reinforcing maritime security operations, while Germany signaled it was ready to contribute to securing free navigation.
"Good news from the Strait of Hormuz. However, the passage must remain permanent, reliable, and safe. We are aligned with our partners here in Paris on this," said Friedrich Merz, Chancellor of Germany.
The International Maritime Organization said it was verifying whether the reopening complies with established safety and navigation standards. "The principle of freedom of navigation is not negotiable," Arsenio Dominguez, the Secretary-General of IMO, said.
Though the resumption of vessel traffic has eased immediate concerns over supply disruptions, analysts say the durability of the ceasefire and clarity over safe passage will determine whether energy markets stabilize or face renewed volatility.
"The opening of Hormuz was made possible by a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. However, this can be only described as a temporary and tenuous agreement," said Viktor Shvets, head of Global Desk Strategy at Macquarie Capital.
Iran said on Friday it had reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping following a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, offering cautious relief to global energy markets, though uncertainty remains as the US blockade persists.
Tehran said passage via the strategic waterway was "completely open" for commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire, with shipping permitted along routes coordinated by its Ports and Maritime Organization.
Five empty tankers have reportedly arrived at Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf in recent days and begun loading crude oil, marking an early sign of renewed maritime activity as the Hormuz reopens.
On Friday, Kpler said early vessel movements, including those linked to Adnoc LNG operations near Das Island, pointed to a cautious return of activity.
However, the analytics firm said that routing decisions, cargo loading, and security risks remained unclear, with market participants closely monitoring whether flows can recover sustainably.