Oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz resumed following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the United States and Iran, officially ending a four-month conflict that had severely disrupted global energy supplies. According to U.S. Vice President JD Vance, approximately 12.5 million barrels of crude passed through the strait overnight, marking a significant step toward stabilizing the world oil market.

The deal, signed on Wednesday by U.S. President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, took effect earlier than anticipated, two days ahead of schedule. The MOU mandates the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran had blockaded, cutting off roughly 20 percent of the global oil supply and triggering widespread energy concerns. In addition, the agreement includes the lifting of the U.S. retaliatory blockade on Iranian oil ports and calls for an immediate ceasefire across all combat zones, including in Lebanon.

Despite the progress between Washington and Tehran, tensions persist in the region. Israel, which was not involved in the MOU negotiations, conducted further strikes in Lebanon yesterday. These actions have raised questions about the enforcement and durability of the proposed regional ceasefire. Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon, the most intense in 26 years, has displaced over 1.2 million people, according to various reports.

Iran has emphasized that any comprehensive peace arrangement must include Lebanon, highlighting the complex regional dynamics that complicate peace efforts. As the ceasefire agreement moves forward, the challenge remains whether all parties, including those outside the current MOU framework, will adhere to the terms and help stabilize the broader Middle East.