Strait of Hormuz Reopens as Iran-US Truce Enables Direct Talks

U.S President Donald J. Trump

Strait of Hormuz Reopens as Iran-US Truce Enables Direct Talks

By Paul V. Young – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 19, 2026

BRISBANE, Australia – The critical Strait of Hormuz is now open to oil tanker traffic, effective Thursday, June 18, marking a significant de-escalation in tensions between the United States and Iran. This pivotal development follows the implementation of a tentative agreement to end the prolonged regional conflict.

In a move signaling shifting diplomatic dynamics, Vice President JD Vance announced a potential postponement of his planned Friday trip to Switzerland, initially intended for a ceremonial signing of the accord. This delay could precede a more substantial round of negotiations, hinting at the complexity of future discussions.

Hours after the truce took effect, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei publicly endorsed direct negotiations with the United States. In a statement disseminated by state media—his first reaction to the agreement—Khamenei revealed his initial reservations about the memorandum of understanding.

However, he granted his permission “due to the commitment that the honorable (Iranian) president, as the chairman of the Supreme National Security Council, gave me on behalf of himself and other members to protect the rights of the Iranian nation and the Resistance Front.”

Khamenei’s endorsement holds significant weight, especially as it marks his first public statement since assuming office in March. His ascension followed the assassination of his father and predecessor, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, an event that ignited the regional conflict.

The message represents Khamenei’s inaugural response to the Iran-US deal, signed by US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Khamenei characterized Trump’s pursuit of the deal as driven by “desperation,” asserting that the US leader “used all kinds of levers” to secure the agreement.

Khamenei further stated that he received assurances from President Pezeshkian regarding the deal’s terms, emphasizing that it would be rejected “if the American side wants to make excessive demands.” He explicitly cautioned, “It is obvious that the face-to-face negotiations that will be held in the future will not mean accepting the enemy’s point of view.” This declaration underscores Iran’s intent to engage in direct talks while firmly safeguarding its national interests.

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